China’s Shenzhou-18 Mission: On Track to Land Astronauts on the Moon and Mars by 2030

China is set to launch the Shenzhou-18 mission, which will send three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The mission aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 as part of a broader space program that includes sending robots to Mars and other destinations.

The crew for this mission will be led by Commander Ye Guangfu, an experienced fighter pilot and astronaut who has previously participated in the Shenzhou-13 mission. Joining him on this exciting journey will be Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both on their first space mission.

The astronauts will spend six months in orbit, conducting experiments in gravity, physics, and biological sciences. They will also work on a high-resolution global greenhouse gas detection project, according to Lin Xiqiang, the deputy director general of the China Manned Space Agency.

China’s Tiangong space station is a crucial component of its ambitious space program, which aims to rival the United States and Russia in space exploration. The station is continuously manned by teams of three astronauts, with the Shenzhou-17 team due to be replaced by the new crew. This mission represents a new beginning for China’s space program and its goal of establishing itself as a leading power in space exploration.