The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, carrying the three-person Shenzhou-21 crew, separated from the China Space Station at 2:44 p.m. Beijing Time on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Before the separation, the crew, working with ground support, completed a series of departure procedures including setting the orbital complex's system configuration, sorting and downloading experimental data, and transferring materials remaining in orbit. The Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-23 crews also finished their handover of duties and exchanged notes on in-orbit work experience.

The Shenzhou-22's return capsule is set to re-enter the atmosphere at a time to be determined by ground command. Astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang are set to begin their journey home from the space station.

(Xu Beibei contributed to the story)