Shenzhou-18 astronauts return to Beijing after record 192 days in orbit

Days in orbit mark a record for astronauts.

Published: November 6, 2024

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The Shenzhou-18 crew, consisting of Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, landed at the Dongfeng site in the Inner Mongolia region, concluding a successful 192-day mission in orbit .

China’s Manned Space Agency confirmed the landing was safe early Monday morning.

Shenzhou-18 astronauts in quarantine

Upon exiting the return capsule, the three astronauts were reported to be in excellent health, which was verified by the medical team on the ground. The Chinese Space Agency has reported that the crew is now entering a period of medical quarantine and will undergo rigorous examinations to assess their health status after their stay in space.

Following this quarantine phase, the mission crew will meet with the media in the capital, Beijing. This successful return marks a major breakthrough in China’s space history, setting a new record for the country’s astronauts to remain in orbit.

The mission, which included a variety of experiments and work on the Chinese space station, reinforces China’s growing role in space exploration . Watch the astronauts’ return in the video below.