The air support team has carried out multiple search and rescue drills and is now ready for the return of the Shenzhou-19 crew members who are preparing to conclude their six-month mission aboard China's space station Tiangong in orbit.
The three astronauts are set to depart the space station combination aboard the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft and are scheduled to soon return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Considering the geographical location of the Dongfeng landing site and the desert weather conditions, the search and rescue team has adopted various measures to collaborate with the ground team to clarify conditions and rescue measures.
"We have adopted systematic grouping approach combined with a diagonal net search method for the search and rescue mission. By taking advantage of differences in flight altitude, we will ensure safety while improving our ability to conduct search and rescue operations in unfamiliar areas and challenging weather conditions," said Hu Mintao, a member of the search and rescue team.
The air support team has clear roles, with each crew group equipped with a navigator and two captains to ensure flight safety.
After the drills, they used electronic flight terminals to review the exercise to further optimize flight tactics and emergency response procedures.
"The captain leading this search and rescue mission has extensive experiences, with an average flight time of over 3,700 hours per crew member. We have completed preparations thorough practical drills and are fully prepared. With our enthusiasm, exceptional skills, and strong work ethic, we are committed to ensuring the mission's success. We are ready to warmly welcome the astronauts home," said Li Xiaoqiang, member of the search and rescue team.
Air support team ready for return of China's Shenzhou-19 astronauts
Representatives from China and France expressed a strong commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors during an economic and trade forum in Lyon, France, on Thursday.
The event took place at the Chinese Consulate General in Lyon, bringing together scholars and representatives from business, finance, tourism, and other key sectors of both countries.
Lyon, a major industrial and economic hub in central France, has long served as a key player in China-France cooperation. Many attendees highlighted the city's historical and contemporary role in strengthening bilateral ties.
"The cooperation between Lyon and China has a long history, dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road. Today, the newly established Sino-French Institute in Lyon further deepens mutual understanding between our peoples," said Philippe Valentin, president of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
French business representatives see immense potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
"China is today, I would say, the top in terms of automotive, in terms of innovation and new patents. And we are also looking for a lot of different skills and innovation to develop our development and collaboration in China," said Herve Vericel, vice president of Business Development and Advanced Engineering of Saint Jean Industries.
Chinese participants also expressed confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation.
"From aviation and sustainable development to infrastructure, China and France not only share extensive common interests, but also have their distinct advantages," said Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Yu Jiang, consul general of China in Lyon, underscored the growing momentum of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries will become faster and more frequent, making our friendship stronger and more enduring," he said.
Lyon trade forum highlights deepening China-France cooperation
