China unveils logos for three space missions in 2025
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed logos for three major missions in China’s manned space program this year. The logos represent the launches of the crewed spaceships Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21, along with the cargo craft Tianzhou-9, according to Xinhua news agency.
The CMSA stated that the new logos symbolize the courage and determination of Chinese astronauts and their commitment to exploring the universe’s mysteries. Since China’s first manned spaceflight, Shenzhou-5, in 2003, a logo has been designed for each manned mission.
Since 2023, the CMSA has opened logo solicitations for the country’s space missions and has continued this practice. Crews for the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions will consist of three astronauts each.
Shenzhou-20 is scheduled to dock with the space station’s core module’s radial port, while Shenzhou-21 will dock with its front port. The astronauts’ main tasks will include extravehicular activities, cargo deliveries through the station’s cargo airlock module, and conducting space science experiments and technology tests.
In the latter half of 2025, China plans to launch the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province. This mission will deliver supplies for astronauts, propellants to ensure the space station’s operation, various payloads, and more.
China’s manned space station project has now entered its application and development phase, with plans for two manned spacecraft missions and one to two cargo missions each year.
Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-19 crew members, currently aboard China’s space station, are preparing for their second extravehicular activities (EVAs) in the coming days. The crew, which completed their first spacewalk on December 17, 2024, has been performing various tasks, including equipment inspections, system-wide pressure emergency drills, and preparations for the upcoming EVAs.
The CMSA confirmed that the three Shenzhou-19 crew members are in good health, and the space station is operating smoothly, ensuring optimal conditions for the upcoming EVAs.
