China's Shenzhou-18 Mission: A New Milestone in Space Exploration
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Shenzhou-18 |
| Spacecraft | Shenzhou-18 (Dubbed the "Divine Vessel") |
| Launch Vehicle | Long March-2F rocket |
| Launch Site | Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre |
| Crew | Ye Guangfu (Commander), Li Cong, Li Guangsu |
| Destination | Tiangong Space Station (Approx. 400 km above Earth) |
| Mission Duration | Six months |
| Primary Objectives | Scientific experiments, spacewalks, routine maintenance of Tiangong |
| Broader Goals | Chinese astronauts on the Moon by 2030 |
| Comparative Context | U.S. Artemis III mission postponed to September 2026 due to technical delays |