China’s Shenzhou-13 crew returns to earth after a record-setting mission in space

• Shenzhou 13 lifted off on 15 October from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
• Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to conduct a spacewalk.
• Shenzhou 14 mission is expected to launch soon.
  

China's Shenzhou-13 crew with astronauts Wang Yaping, Zhai Zhigang, and Ye Guangfu landed safely in northern China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on April 15. The crew has spent an epic six-month orbital trip breaking the previous record of China's longest single-flight space mission of 92 days set by the Shenzhou-12.

The touchdown of the Shenzhou-13 return capsule was recorded at 9:56 AM at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi desert. With the touchdown medical team confirmed that the crew of three are in good health, marking the full success of Shenzhou-13. The crew exited the return capsule after 1hour and 10minutes following the touchdown. It was faster than the Shenzhou-12 crew which took 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Shenzhou-13 mission commander Zhai Zhigang got out first, saying "feeling good". Following him, Wang Yaping said "star-picking mom is home," waved to her daughter with a big smile. The last and the youngest member Ye Guangfu also joined them in good spirits.

The Shenzhou 13 also set some national records, for instance, Wang Yaping became the first woman to live aboard Tianhe and the first Chinese woman to have a spacewalk. The crew lifted off on 15 October 2021 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.

The crew performed two spacewalks, 20 different science experiments, and two live educational lectures.

The doctoral researcher of Chinese space policy at the University of Manchester in England said “A real-time, interactive event with China's taikonauts highlights the reality of the country's technological achievements and displays the competencies and utility of its space program.” She also added, “such an event serves to enhance national pride and to encourage young citizens to pursue science-based careers."

According to a China Spaceflight tweet on 16 March, Shenzhou 14 mission is expected to launch in early June.

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