Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft successfully launched

China News Service, Jiuquan, Gansu, May 24 (Reporter Ma Shuaisha) According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, at 23:08 on May 24, Beijing time, the Long March 2F Yao 23 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou 23 manned spacecraft was ignited and launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. About 10 minutes later, the spacecraft and the rocket successfully separated and entered the predetermined orbit. The astronaut crew was in good condition and the launch was a complete success.

After the spacecraft enters orbit, it will conduct autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking with the space station assembly according to predetermined procedures. The astronaut crew of Shenzhou 23 will rotate with the astronaut crew of Shenzhou 21 in orbit. During their stay at the space station, the Shenzhou 23 astronaut crew will carry out a number of practical experiments and applications in the fields of space life and human body research, microgravity physical science, and new space technologies, conduct multiple extravehicular activities, and complete tasks such as installation, debugging, and maintenance of equipment inside and outside the cabin.

This mission is the seventh manned mission as the project enters the space station application and development stage, and it is also the 40th launch mission since the project was established and implemented. Up to now, our country has had 30 astronauts and 47 people carry out missions in space. This mission is also the 644th flight of the Long March series of launch vehicles and the 23rd flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft.

At present, the space station assembly has entered the docking orbit and is in good working condition, meeting the conditions for rendezvous and docking with the Shenzhou 23 manned spacecraft and the entry of astronauts. (over)