Shenzhou-13 mission successfully verifies space station tech

(ECNS) -- The Shenzhou-13 mission successfully verified key technologies needed for a space station, with China to complete in-orbit construction of its space station by 2022, including the launch of the Shenzhou-14 manned spacecraft in June, said Hao Chun, head of the China Manned Space Agency, at a news conference in Beijing on Sunday.

The key technologies for the construction of the space station have been fully verified, said Hao.

Since 2020, China has successfully carried out six flight missions, including the space station core module Tianhe, the Shenzhou-12 and Shenzhou-13 manned spacecraft, and the Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft. All six missions achieved success and completed their goal of verifying key technologies, Hao added.

According to schedule, China will complete the in-orbit construction of its space station by 2022. A total of six missions are planned for this year, including the launch of the Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft in May, the Shenzhou-14 manned spacecraft in June, the lab module Wentian in July, and the lab module Mengtian in October.

The three modules will form a T shape to complete the in-orbit construction of China's space station, followed by the launch of the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft and the Shenzhou-15 manned spacecraft, Hao said.

After being in orbit about 400 kilometers above the Earth for 183 days, the three crew members of the Shenzhou-13 mission returned to Earth on Saturday, completing China’s longest manned spaceflight.