Shenzhou-18 Crew Returns to Earth After 192 Days, Lands at Dongfeng Site

Nov 3, 2024, 06:29 PM

China's Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft has successfully returned to Earth after a six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station. The spacecraft, carrying astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, separated from the space station at 16:12 Beijing Time on November 3 and landed at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia on November 4 at 01:24 am Beijing Time. The crew completed various tasks before separation and reported being in good condition during their return journey, which lasted 192 days. The mission included the delivery of 34.6 kg of scientific experiment samples involving 28 projects. The astronauts are now undergoing medical checks and health evaluations in Beijing. Ye Guangfu was the first to exit the return capsule at 18:15 UTC. This marks the second nighttime landing at the Dongfeng site, where extensive preparations were made to ensure a safe return.