China achieved a significant milestone today by sending its first civilian astronaut into space aboard the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft. The mission, led by veteran astronaut Jing Haipeng, also includes astronauts Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao, who will be responsible for scientific research and experimental projects on the space station. After docking with the orbiting station, the astronauts will exchange missions with the previous team and conduct scientific experiments during their five-month stay.

This achievement follows the completion of China’s three-module space station last year, with plans for another manned space mission later this year.