China now has eight 'space family portraits' in orbit

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2026.05.25 13:58 GMT+8

China now has eight 'space family portraits' in orbit

Updated 2026.05.25 13:58 GMT+8

CGTN

China's Shenzhou-21 crew has just welcomed Shenzhou-23 astronauts aboard the China Space Station, where the two teams captured the eighth historic group photo of Chinese crews meeting in-orbit.

The reunion also marked the second time commanders Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Lu had met in space. Their previous encounter was during the 2023 in-orbit handover between the Shenzhou-15 and Shenzhou-16 crews.

Reviewing all eight orbital handovers, every reunion reflects the romance and dedication of China's astronauts and space program.

A group photo of Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15 crews in space, November 30, 2022. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-15 and Shenzhou-16 crews in space, May 30, 2023. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 crews in space, October 26, 2023. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-18 crews in space, April 26, 2024. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19 crews in space, October 30, 2024. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 crews in space, April 25, 2025. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews in space, November 1, 2025. /CMSA

A group photo of Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-23 crews in space, May 25, 2026. /CMSA

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