Core Points - The Shenzhou-20 manned mission is scheduled for launch on April 24, 2025, at 17:17 Beijing time, with a crew consisting of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie [6] - This mission marks the fifth manned flight during the application and development phase of the space station and the 35th flight of the manned space program [7] - The primary objectives include in-orbit crew rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew, conducting scientific experiments, and performing extravehicular activities [7][8] Mission Objectives - The Shenzhou-20 mission will focus on in-orbit crew rotation, with an expected stay of approximately six months at the space station [7] - The mission will involve 59 scientific experiments and technology tests, including life sciences and microgravity physics [8] - Previous successful experiments with zebrafish and fruit flies will be expanded upon, with new experiments planned [7][8] Crew Information - Chen Dong, who has previously flown on Shenzhou-11 and Shenzhou-14, will serve as the commander for this mission [6] - Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie are both first-time flyers, with backgrounds as an Air Force pilot and an engineer, respectively [6] - The crew has undergone extensive training to prepare for the mission, focusing on teamwork and operational precision [15][20] Technological Developments - The mission will utilize an autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking mode, expected to occur approximately 6.5 hours after launch [7] - The Shenzhou-20 crew will also welcome the arrival of the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft and the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft during their mission [7] - The development of technologies for extravehicular activities has reached an advanced level, with significant improvements in operational capabilities [9] Future Plans - The fourth batch of astronauts is currently undergoing training, with plans for their inclusion in future missions [9][10] - The first flight of astronauts from Hong Kong and Macau is anticipated to occur as early as 2026 [10] - Ongoing collaboration with Pakistan for astronaut selection is also in progress [10] Lunar Mission Progress - The development of China's manned lunar mission is progressing smoothly, with various components such as the Long March 10 rocket and the Dream Boat spacecraft under development [11] - Major tests for these systems are being conducted as part of the preparation for future lunar missions [11]

Core Points - The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft is scheduled for launch on April 24 at 17:17, marking a significant milestone in China's manned spaceflight program [1] - China has successfully conducted 20 extravehicular activities (EVAs) to date, demonstrating a transition from technical validation and simple operations to complex task execution [3][5] Summary by Categories Technical Validation - The EVAs have validated key technologies such as spacesuits, airlocks, robotic arms, and ground support systems [3] - The longest single EVA duration has reached 9 hours, setting a world record [5] Assembly and Maintenance - Extravehicular assembly tasks have included the installation of external pump groups, payload exposure platforms, and cross-module cable connections, achieving the complete design functionality of the space station [3] - The first EVA maintenance was conducted to repair damage to the solar wing cables caused by space debris, restoring power generation capabilities [3] Active Protection - To ensure the long-term safety of the space station, proactive measures against space debris have been implemented, including inspections and the installation of debris protection devices [3][5] Overall Capability - China's EVA technology has matured, reaching an internationally advanced level, with the spacesuits performing well beyond their design specifications [5] - The collaboration between ground and space support systems has improved, providing effective professional support for EVA planning, process control, and emergency response [5]