Shenzhou 19

Shenzhou 19 was China's fourth crewed mission of the Tiangong station application and development phase. The spacecraft launched from Jiuquan on October 30, 2024 Beijing time, October 29 UTC, with commander Cai Xuzhe and first-time flyers Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze. After docking with the Tianhe core module, the crew took over from Shenzhou 18 and carried out a long-duration station rotation focused on science, technology demonstrations, cargo tasks, and station maintenance. CMSA described the mission plan as including multiple EVAs, installation of debris-protection equipment, and installation or retrieval of payloads and platform equipment inside and outside the spacecraft. Cai and Song completed three EVAs, including a record-setting nine-hour Chinese spacewalk, while Wang supported station experiments and materials management from inside. The crew welcomed Shenzhou 20, completed handover, and returned safely on April 30, 2025 after about 183 days in orbit.