China finalizes crew list for Shenzhou-20, Shenzhou-21 space missions

The astronauts for the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crewed missions, scheduled for launch this year, have been finalized, according to Yang Yuguang, vice chair of the Space Transportation Committee at the International Astronautical Federation.

"For both missions, whether the primary or backup crews, all members are undergoing rigorous and high-intensity training," Yang told China Media Group in an interview.

He didn't, however, reveal the names of those selected for the missions.

During their six-month orbital mission, the crews will conduct a wide range of scientific experiments and, as in previous missions, perform extravehicular activities, he added.

This year will also see the launch of the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft to support the operation of China's space station.

Yang also revealed that it will be possible for space enthusiasts to witness the maiden launch of China's Qingzhou cargo ship this year. The ship is expected to carry out urgent and lightweight resupply missions to the space station.