China’s Shenzhou Astronauts Are On Their Way to the Space Station!

The three crew members of the first mission to China’s space station are on their way to start a 90-day trial of the first element of the station—the core module. Their mission includes very specific objectives, including unpacking the supplies delivered by a cargo ship; activating and testing the life support systems; donning EVA suits which have already been delivered, and so forth. The three launched at 09:22 June 17 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China (01:22 GMT June 17; 21:22 EDT June 16).