China unveils Shenzhou-18 crew for space station mission

Taikonauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu will carry out the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission to the China Space Station, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday. 

Ye will serve as the mission commander. The crew has one astronaut from the second batch and two from the third batch of Chinese astronauts, all of whom were born in the 1980s.

The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 8:59 p.m. on Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The crew will stay in the space station for about six months and is scheduled to return in late October.

Ye Guangfu

Born in September 1980, Ye Guangfu joined the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in August 1998. 

In 2010, he was selected to be a member of the second batch of Chinese astronauts. In October 2021, he completed his first spaceflight mission on Shenzhou-13. Ye received the honorary title of "heroic astronaut" and a third-class medal in November 2021. 

"As the mission commander this time, I undergo greater pressure and take greater responsibility. Every human spaceflight mission is a new adventure. For me, going to space again is a whole new chapter," Ye said at Wednesday's press conference.  

Li Cong

Li Cong, born in October 1989, is the youngest member of Shenzhou-18 crew. He joined the PLA in September 2009. 

Li was selected to be a member of the third batch of Chinese astronauts in September 2020. Shenzhou-18 mission will be his first flight mission. 

"Over the past three years, we have undergone comprehensive training in mind, physical and mental fitness, and professional skills. We have the confidence and ability to successfully complete our mission," Li told the press. 

Li Guangsu

Born in July 1987, Li Guangsu joined the PLA in September 2006, and served as a first-class pilot in the Chinese Air Force.

He joined China's third batch of astronauts in September 2020.

Before heading out for his first spaceflight for the Shenzhou-18 mission, Li told the press, "On this mission, we will shoulder heavy and arduous tasks. Although each of us have designated work, we are united as one, supporting and supervising each other."