Shenzhou 12

Shenzhou 12 was China's first crewed mission to the Tianhe core module and the first resident crew expedition of the Tiangong space station program. The spacecraft launched from Jiuquan on June 17, 2021 with commander Nie Haisheng, operator Liu Boming, and operator Tang Hongbo, then performed a rapid autonomous rendezvous and docking with Tianhe. During about three months in orbit, the crew lived aboard the core module, brought early station systems into crewed operation, tested long-duration life support and resource recycling, operated the robotic arm, and carried out two EVAs to outfit Tianhe's exterior. Liu and Tang completed the first space-station EVA on July 4, and Nie joined Liu for the second EVA on August 20. Shenzhou 12 returned to Earth on September 17, 2021, completing the first crewed construction-stage mission for China's modular space station.