China reveals Shenzhou-19 crew for space mission

This photo features Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe center Song Lingdong right and Wang Haoze left who are set to undertake the Shenzhou-19 spaceflight mission Xinhua-Yonhap — Chinese astronauts Wang Haoze (left), Cai Xuzhe (center) and Song Lingdong, who are set to undertake the Shenzhou-19 spaceflight mission, is seen, in this undated photo. Xinhua-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze are set to embark on the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, with Cai designated as the commander, as revealed by the China Manned Space Agency during a press conference on Tuesday.

The launch of the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft is planned for 4:27 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, according to agency spokesperson Lin Xiqiang.

Cai previously completed the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. Song and Wang, who are part of the third batch of Chinese astronauts, are making their first journey into space and were both born in the 1990s.

Song was a former air force pilot prior to becoming an astronaut, while Wang served as a senior engineer at the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Wang is currently China's only female space flight engineer and will be the third Chinese woman to undertake a crewed spaceflight mission, according to the agency.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

China reveals Shenzhou-19 crew for space mission

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