Core Points - The Shenzhou 21 manned spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module of the space station, achieving a record docking time of approximately 3.5 hours, significantly shorter than the previous 6.5 hours for earlier missions [2] - The rapid docking was made possible through advancements in launch and orbit control, optimized trajectory design, and enhanced system adaptability, which collectively improve mission flexibility and emergency response capabilities [2] - The Long March 2F rocket, which is the only active manned launch vehicle in China, underwent nearly 20 technical improvements to enhance reliability and safety, ensuring precise and stable flight [3] - The escape system of the Long March 2F rocket is designed to ensure astronaut safety, capable of rapidly detaching the crew capsule from the rocket in case of a critical failure [3] - The spacecraft's sealing components and astronaut suits have undergone rigorous testing to ensure reliability under various conditions, including fatigue and environmental stress [4] - Successful manned space missions rely on the efficient collaboration of multiple systems, including energy supply, information communication, and precise docking systems [5] - The power supply system faced unprecedented challenges during the rapid docking, requiring quick stabilization and energy provision for maneuvering [5] - A robust measurement and control communication system, comprising global ground stations and data relay satellites, ensures real-time data transmission and command execution between the ground and the spacecraft [6] - The docking mechanism has evolved to a controlled damping buffer system, enhancing adaptability and reliability during the final docking phase [6]

Core Points - The Shenzhou 21 manned spacecraft successfully docked with the space station in a record time of 3.5 hours, marking a significant improvement in China's autonomous docking capabilities [1][2] - This mission included the first in-orbit breeding and experimental research of mice, which will help fill gaps in China's research on small mammals in space [4] - The upcoming 2026 manned spaceflight missions will include four significant tasks, showcasing China's continued commitment to advancing its space exploration efforts [6][7] Group 1 - The Shenzhou 21 spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and achieved docking with the space station, creating a new record for the fastest docking time [1][2] - The autonomous docking capability has been enhanced through more precise launch and orbit control, allowing for fewer orbital adjustments [2] - The mission involved a reunion of two crew commanders, Chen Dong and Zhang Lu, who previously participated in China's first "space meeting" nearly three years ago [2][3] Group 2 - The mission also included the introduction of four experimental mice, which will be monitored for their behavior and physiological changes in space [4] - The mice were selected through rigorous testing to ensure their adaptability to the space environment, and their experiments will contribute to understanding biological processes in microgravity [4] - The research on amino acids using microfluidic chips will explore the chiral characteristics of amino acids, marking a world-first study in this area [5][6] Group 3 - The 2026 manned spaceflight plan includes the Tianzhou 10 cargo spacecraft, Shenzhou 22 and 23 missions, and the first flight of the Mengzhou 1 crewed spacecraft [6][7] - The Shenzhou 22 mission will feature a crew member conducting a long-term stay experiment of over one year, emphasizing the focus on extended human presence in space [7] - The design of mission insignias for these upcoming flights is open for public submission, reflecting a community engagement approach in China's space endeavors [8]