China is celebrating what it calls a “complete success” after sending its youngest-ever astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
The BBC was given rare access to the Jiuquan Satellite launch centre in Gansu and were just over a kilometre away when Shenzhou 19 blasted off.
The launch is also the latest success in the fast-paced development of China’s space industry – and it is reportedly worrying some in the US.
Earlier this year, Nasa chief Bill Nelson said the US and China were “in effect, in a race” to return to the Moon, where he fears Beijing wants to stake territorial claims.
Today, the Shenzhou-18 crew warmly welcomed the Shenzhou-19 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. This historic moment marks China’s 5th “space reunion,” bringing together astronauts born in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s on the station. The two crews took a memorable group photo to greet and reassure everyone back on Earth.
Today, the Shenzhou-18 crew warmly welcomed the Shenzhou-19 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. This historic moment marks China’s 5th “space reunion,” bringing together astronauts born in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s on the station. The two crews took a memorable group… pic.twitter.com/XGbZcpZGs0
— Shanxi PGIO (@ShanxiPgio) October 30, 2024
China’s #Shenzhou19 manned spaceship has successfully docked with Tiangong space station, and the 3 astronauts on board have joined the Shenzhou18 crew in orbit.
A look at the “space reunion”:pic.twitter.com/q93rq0Zxe4
— Zheng Zeguang (@AmbZhengZeguang) October 30, 2024
On October 30th, China successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceflight mission, marking a significant milestone for the post-1990s generation in space exploration! Astronauts Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze proudly say, “We ’90s guys are here too!” If you had the chance to ask them anything, what would it be? Share your curiosity with us!
#AmazingChina Source: Xinhua News
On October 30th, China successfully launched the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceflight mission, marking a significant milestone for the post-1990s generation in space exploration! 🚀🌌 Astronauts Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze proudly say, "We '90s guys are here too!" If you had the… pic.twitter.com/WnuIqbthu5
— Shenzhen Channel (@sz_mediagroup) October 30, 2024
