Reports from China Manned Space Agency or major news outlets

Shenzhou-18 Crew Begins Return After Handover to Shenzhou-19; Night Landing at Dongfeng Expected

Nov 3, 2024, 09:46 AM

China's Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship has successfully separated from the Tiangong space station and is returning to Earth after a six-month mission, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The Shenzhou-18 crew, consisting of astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, handed over control of the space station to the Shenzhou-19 crew on Friday, symbolized by the transfer of a ceremonial key. The spacecraft undocked from the station at 16:12 Beijing Time on November 3 and will orbit the Earth five times before re-entering the atmosphere. The Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia is prepared for their expected return on November 4, marking the second time the site will receive astronauts during nighttime conditions. Search and rescue teams have upgraded equipment to cope with the challenges of a night landing and have conducted final drills to ensure the crew's safe recovery.