China to Launch Manned Spacecraft 'Shenzhou 13' on 16th

Jaigi Gang, Yeguang Pu, Female Astronaut Wang Yaping Onboard
Stay for 6 Months to Perform Maintenance, Equipment Replacement, and Scientific Tasks

China's manned spacecraft "Shenzhou 13" is scheduled to be launched at 00:23 on the 16th (01:23 KST) according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announcement on the 14th. The photo shows the Long March 2F rocket carrying "Shenzhou 13" for launch. Photo by AFP/United News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] China announced on the 14th that it will launch the manned spacecraft 'Shenzhou 13' at 00:23 on the 16th (01:23 KST).

This launch is part of China's independent space station construction project, Tiangong. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) explained that the launch will take place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province, northwest China. Shenzhou 13 will be launched aboard the Long March 2F Yao-13 carrier rocket.

Immediately after launch, Shenzhou 13 is scheduled to dock with the core module of the space station, Tianhe. Onboard Shenzhou 13 are astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Ye Guangfu, and female astronaut Wang Yaping.

CMSA added that this manned flight mission is the sixth and final flight in the core technology verification phase of the space station. The Shenzhou 13 astronauts plan to stay in orbit for six months.

Shenzhou 13 astronauts will be responsible for repairs, maintenance, and equipment replacement in space for six months. Local media reported that China aims to complete the space station construction by the end of next year.

The space station currently being built by China is 37 meters long and weighs 90 tons, about one-third the size of the International Space Station (ISS). When the ISS ceases operation in 2024, the Chinese space station is expected to be the only space station in orbit.