The spaceship, atop a Long March 2F carrier rocket, blasted off today afternoon from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in northwestern China.

The crew consists of three astronauts: Chen Dong, who serves as commander, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie.

The Shenzhou-20 mission is part of the 5th manned stage of the development and implementation of China’s Tiangong space station, and the 35th mission in the country’s manned space program.

The main objectives include an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew, a stay of approximately six months in space, the conduct of scientific and technological experiments, extravehicular activities, and the installation of space debris protection equipment.

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