Shenzhou-19 crew set to return as Dongfeng landing site stands ready

The Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is ready to welcome the return of the Shenzhou-19 crew following their six-month mission aboard China's space station.

To ensure search and rescue readiness, a final comprehensive drill was conducted at the Dongfeng site on Friday.

The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 manned spacecraft, carrying astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, is scheduled to touch down on April 29.

Around 10 a.m. on Friday, nearly 100 vehicles were deployed to support ground search and rescue operations.

By 2:30 p.m., after receiving landing data from the Beijing Aerospace Control Center, five helicopters executed precision landings near the target area and carried out procedures as planned.

At 2:45 p.m., the ground team simulated the opening of the capsule hatch and lifting the astronauts out. The team responded swiftly and operated meticulously, ensuring astronaut safety during exit, acclimatization and transfer.

The return and landing process is expected to take about 50 minutes.

All personnel and equipment at the Dongfeng site are now on standby for the mission.

On Thursday, a Long March-2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

After docking with the space station, the Shenzhou-20 crew joined the Shenzhou-19 astronauts for the sixth in-orbit crew handover in China's space history. The six astronauts will live and work together for about five days to complete scheduled tasks and transfer responsibilities.