Wed Apr 23 03:25:44 UTC 2025: ## China Launches Shenzhou-20 Mission to Space Station
**Beijing, April 24, 2025** – China launched its Shenzhou-20 mission today, carrying three astronauts to the country’s space station. The launch, which occurred at 5:17 p.m. local time (2:47 p.m. IST), marks the beginning of a mission focused on crew rotation and scientific research.
Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie will conduct various experiments aboard the station, including life science studies using zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces. The mission will also involve installing a space debris protection device and other equipment, as well as carrying out recovery tasks.
The primary objective of Shenzhou-20 is to facilitate the handover with the Shenzhou-19 crew, who are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29th at the Dongfeng landing site. The mission is expected to further advance China’s ambitions in space exploration and scientific research.
First Piper 