Shenzhou-19 crew return to Earth after successful six-month mission in space

The three astronauts of China's Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission returned to Earth on Wednesday after completing their planned tasks aboard the Tiangong space station.

The return capsule, carrying Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 13:08 (Beijing Time), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

By 14:02 , the Shenzhou-19 crew had all left the return capsule. They had spent 183 days in orbit and are all in good health, said the CMSA, declaring the mission a success.

"In space, we gazed at the beautiful blue planet countless times. This is the common home for humanity and needs to be protected by all of us together. Especially, the vibrant red outside the space station's cabin wall, the brightest color in space, filled me with pride for our great motherland. On this mission, I led two people born in the 1990s. With the crew united as one and the assistance of the ground staff, we successfully completed the task entrusted by our country and the people. In the future, we will continue to maintain a diligent attitude, scripting new chapters for China's space industry in the new era," Cai said shortly after being carried out of the return capsule.

"At this moment, I feel incredibly proud, happy, and full of anticipation. We've transformed the dedication and hard work of all our researchers into scientific research achievements, and we are very proud of that. And we are very proud of the three extravehicular missions that we've completed successfully. It is a blessing to serve my country in space, and being down-to-earth is also a source of happiness. Very soon, I will reunite with the family I've missed day and night, as well as the comrades and colleagues who have stood by us through this entire journey. We are truly looking forward to that. I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you. You've worked so hard! Next, I will promptly begin my post-mission recovery and adjust myself in time. I will be ready, as always, to dedicate my purest love to our motherland," said Song.

"It's good to be home, to be down to earth. I'm right on the land of the motherland now, and the words I most want to say are 'Motherland, your children have returned from a long journey.' The journey of 180-plus days in space is a test to the body and a practice of the mind. The mission empowers me to report to the motherland and the people that I'm confident and competent to undertake more challenging tasks. Please rest assured. Every time I gazed into the cosmos from the space station, I'm deeply convinced that we, the Chinese astronauts, will venture farther and farther, reaching into the vastness of space. Finally, I extend my best wishes for the continued advancement of China's space cause, and may our great motherland enjoy prosperity and our people live in harmony and peace," Wang said.

The Shenzhou-19 crew was sent into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct 30, 2024. Prior to their return, the crew handed over the space station to the Shenzhou-20 astronauts who got on board on Friday.

Shenzhou-19 crew return to Earth after successful six-month mission in space

Shenzhou-19 crew return to Earth after successful six-month mission in space

Shenzhou-19 crew return to Earth after successful six-month mission in space

Shenzhou-19 crew return to Earth after successful six-month mission in space

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests