Shenzhou 18

Shenzhou 18 was China's third crewed mission of the Tiangong space station application and development phase. The spacecraft launched from Jiuquan on April 25, 2024 Beijing Time with commander Ye Guangfu and first-time flyers Li Guangsu and Li Cong, then docked with the radial port of the Tianhe core module about six and a half hours later. The mission took over from Shenzhou 17 and supported a regular long-duration station rotation with more than 90 planned experiments and tests across microgravity physics, space materials, life science, space medicine, and space technology. CMSA highlighted tasks including multiple EVAs, cargo airlock operations, installation and retrieval of external payloads, and reinforcement of exterior systems against space debris. Ye and Li Guangsu performed the mission's first EVA in May 2024, and Ye and Li Cong performed the second in July, both focused on debris-protection and exterior inspection work. Shenzhou 18 later welcomed Tianzhou 8 and the Shenzhou 19 crew, completed handover, and landed at Dongfeng in the early hours of November 4, 2024 Beijing Time. Chinese reporting said all three crew members were in good condition and the mission was a complete success.