Chen Dong, the commander of China's Shenzhou-20 spaceflight mission, expressed his determination to lead the crew in completing all assigned tasks during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 17:17 Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Chen Dong, along with astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, will carry out the mission.
Having previously participated in the Shenzhou-11 and Shenzhou-14 missions, Chen Dong brings ample experience to the spaceflight. He served as the commander of the Shenzhou-14 crew and will take on the mantle once again after a two-year interval. He will also become the first among China's second batch of astronauts to carry out three spaceflight missions.
"This will be my third mission, and I'm still incredibly excited. On one hand, I feel immense pride and honor to once again embark on a space journey for my country. It is a great privilege and joy. On the other hand, I have greater expectations. Every spaceflight is unique, and I look forward to gaining more experience and making new breakthroughs during this mission," said Chen Dong.
Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie both come from the country's third batch of astronauts and will be embarking on their first spaceflight mission. Before being selected, Chen Zhongrui served as an air force pilot, while Wang Jie was an engineer at the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Chen Dong emphasized that during their six months in space, he will focus on fostering teamwork and supporting the growth of new crew members.
"The most crucial aspect of this mission is to fulfill our duties with zero errors and mistakes. Additionally, the mission will focus on passing down experience to help the two new crew members grow quickly. It's also essential to enhance team cohesion and work effectiveness in the confined and small working environment. I will devote all my energy and efforts to leading the team in completing all assigned tasks with even greater professional expertise," the mission commander said.
"Carrying with us the blessings of our country and people, a firm determination to accomplish our mission, the desire to reenter the space, and the support of our teammates and the ground team, we will once again visit our home in space and courageously journey forward into the vast universe," he said.
China's Shenzhou-20 commander determined to lead crew in completing all tasks
China's Shenzhou-20 commander determined to lead crew in completing all tasks
