The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft’s return capsule carrying three Chinese astronauts successfully landed at the Tongfeng Landing Site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Monday night. This news has been confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
A ground search and rescue team for the Shenzhou-18 crew at the Tongfeng Landing Site had been prepared in advance in the desert.
According to CMSA, Shenzhou-18 separated from the Tiankong space station at 4:12 p.m. Beijing time on Sunday. After disembarking from the spacecraft’s return capsule, astronauts Ye Kuangfu, Li Chong and Li Kuangsu were taken to a special medical vehicle for routine medical examinations.
Shenzhou-18 mission commander Ye Kuangfu waved greetings after landing. This was his second foray into Thiencong. Thanking the Chinese people, he said that this time he felt very deeply how fast China’s space research is progressing. An emotional Li Kuangsu compared the Chinese space station to another home.
Another 35-year-old young astronaut Li Chong thanked the Chinese people as well as everyone involved in the space mission. He said that their activities in the space expedition were successful and fruitful.
The Chinese spacecraft successfully arrived at the space station on Wednesday, October 30, carrying the Shenzhou-19 crew Chai Su Jie, Song Ling Tong and Wang Hao Chi.
Source: Faisal-Shanta, China Media Group.