China announced on Wednesday (local time) that astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie will form the crew of the Shenzhou-20 mission, scheduled for release at 5:17 pm on Thursday, from the Jiuquan satellites launch center in the northwest of the country.
Veteran of the Chinese space program, Chen Dong will be the mission commander and will become the first member of the country’s second group of astronauts to make three space flights. Already Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie will make their debut in space, representing the new generation of China’s astronaut body.
The crew will replace the occupants of the Shenzhou-19 mission and will remain about six months aboard the Chinese space station, conducting scientific experiments, space walks and maintenance work. Educational and scientific dissemination activities are also planned.
The return of the current Shenzhou-19 crew is scheduled for April 29 at the Dongfeng Pousing Field in Mongolia Interior.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/tripulacao-da-shenzhou-20-e-anunciada-e-missao-sera-lancada-nesta-quinta-feira/
