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China is set to launch its Shenzhou-18 crewed mission to the Tiangong Space Station at 8:59 p.m. Beijing Time on Thursday, marking another leap in the country’s extraterrestrial ambitions. The trio—commander Ye Guangfu and first-time flyers Li Cong and Li Guangsu—will spend six months conducting cutting-edge experiments, installing space debris shields, and even raising zebrafish in orbit!
Dubbed a ‘cosmic multitasking marathon,’ the mission includes two to three spacewalks, 90+ microgravity experiments, and the creation of the first in-orbit aquatic ecosystem using zebrafish and algae. Scientists hope this will crack the code for breeding vertebrates in space, while a plant stem cell study aims to boost future space farming.
The crew will also welcome the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship and hand over duties to the Shenzhou-19 team later this year. Meanwhile, China’s moon landing plans are heating up: the ‘Dream Vessel’ spacecraft and ‘Embracing the Moon’ lander are in development, targeting a 2030 crewed lunar mission.
With the fourth batch of taikonauts (China’s astronauts) soon to join the roster, the CMSA hints at international collaboration, opening doors for foreign astronauts and space tourists.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
The trio—commander Ye Guangfu and first-time flyers Li Cong and Li Guangsu—will spend six months conducting cutting-edge experiments, installing space debris shields, and even raising zebrafish in orbit! 
Scientists hope this will crack the code for breeding vertebrates in space, while a plant stem cell study aims to boost future space farming. 
