China successfully launched the human crewed Shenzhou 13 spacecraft on a Long March 2F (CZ-2F) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, China, at 1623 GMT on 15 October. The crew headed for the Tiangong space station for a six-month stay consisted of Zhai Zhigang (Commander), Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu.
The Shenzhou 13 spacecraft made an automated approach and docking with the Earth-facing port of the Tianhe module of the space station complex at 2249 GMT on 15 October with the crew entering the station at 0058 GMT on 16 October. The Shenzhou 13/Tiangong space station assembly is now in a 382 x 385 km, 41.5 degree inclination orbit.
This was the second “Taikonaut” (Chinese astronaut) flight to the newly built space station. In June 2021, Shenzhou 12 carried a crew of three to the station for a three month stay.
Still from video simulation showing Shenzhou 13 docking with the Tinhe moduel of the Tiangong Chinese Space Station. Courtesy: China Manned Space
