Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

The Shenzhou-20 crew on China's space station are preparing for their return to Earth after staying in orbit for more than six months.

The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie -- are continuing with their experiments and equipment maintenance while getting ready for their journey back to the ground, as their mission nears its end.

During the past months, they have undertaken research and technology tests in areas such as the space life sciences, microgravity fundamental physics, space materials science, space medicine and advanced aerospace technologies.

They have also conducted multiple extravehicular activities and undertaken equipment maintenance and environmental monitoring in the space station.

The crew will rotate with the Shenzhou-21 astronauts who are scheduled to enter the space station and take over the work in orbit at an appropriate time in the near future, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

Shenzhou-20 crew prepares for return to Earth

Iran's response to the latest U.S. proposed text for ending the war was sent on Sunday to the Pakistani mediator, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

According to the proposed plan, at this stage, negotiations will focus on ending the war in the region, the IRNA report said.

On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests in the region.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan that failed to produce a deal.

Iran hands over response to US proposal to Pakistan