# Shenzhou 16

> crewed spaceflight of the Shenzhou program of China

**Wikidata**: [Q115593337](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115593337)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_16)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou-16

## Summary
Shenzhou 16 was a crewed spaceflight mission of China's Shenzhou program, launched on May 30, 2023, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It carried three Chinese astronauts to the Tiangong space station, where they conducted scientific experiments and station operations before returning to Earth in November 2023.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: May 30, 2023
- Landing date: November 2023 (exact date not specified)
- Crew members: Jing Haipeng (commander), Zhu Yangzhu, Gui Haichao
- Launch vehicle: Long March 2F (variant Y16)
- Destination: Tiangong space station (Tianhe module)
- Country: People's Republic of China
- Operator: China National Space Administration
- Manufacturer: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- Mission type: Human spaceflight, space mission
- Satellite of: Low Earth orbit
- COSPAR ID: 2023-077A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Shenzhou 16?
A: Shenzhou 16 was a crewed mission to transport three Chinese astronauts to the Tiangong space station for scientific experiments, station maintenance, and operational activities as part of China's ongoing space program.

### Q: Who were the astronauts on Shenzhou 16?
A: The crew consisted of Jing Haipeng (spacecraft commander), Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao, making it the fifth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station.

### Q: How long did the Shenzhou 16 mission last?
A: The mission duration was approximately six months, launching in May 2023 and returning in November 2023, though the exact landing date is not specified in the source material.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou 16 represents a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in human spaceflight and long-duration orbital missions. As the fifth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, it contributes to China's goal of establishing a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. The mission showcases China's technological advancement in spacecraft design, launch capabilities, and astronaut training, positioning the country as a major spacefaring nation alongside the United States and Russia. The scientific experiments conducted during the mission advance our understanding of space science and technology, while the operational experience gained helps refine procedures for future missions. Shenzhou 16 also highlights the international dimension of space exploration, as China continues to develop its independent space station program following exclusion from the International Space Station partnership.

## Notable For
- Fifth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station
- Featured China's first civilian astronaut (Gui Haichao) in a crewed mission
- Demonstrated Long March 2F's reliability with the Y16 variant
- Extended China's human spaceflight experience to over 180 days in orbit
- Contributed to the operational maturity of the Tiangong space station program

## Body
### Mission Overview
Shenzhou 16 was a crewed spaceflight mission conducted by the China National Space Administration as part of the broader China Manned Space Program. The mission launched on May 30, 2023, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, using a Long March 2F carrier rocket in its Y16 configuration.

### Crew Composition
The mission carried three astronauts: Jing Haipeng, who served as the spacecraft commander and was on his fourth spaceflight; Zhu Yangzhu; and Gui Haichao, who became China's first civilian astronaut to fly in space. This diverse crew composition reflected the maturing nature of China's astronaut corps.

### Technical Specifications
The Shenzhou 16 spacecraft was manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and operated in low Earth orbit. The spacecraft was part of the Shenzhou series, which represents China's crewed spaceflight capability. The Long March 2F rocket, a reliable launch vehicle with a strong track record, successfully delivered the spacecraft to its intended orbit.

### Mission Duration and Activities
The mission lasted approximately six months, with the crew arriving at the Tiangong space station and docking with the Tianhe core module. During their stay, the astronauts conducted various scientific experiments, performed station maintenance tasks, and contributed to the operational capabilities of the space station. The mission concluded with a return to Earth in November 2023.

### Program Context
Shenzhou 16 followed the Shenzhou 15 mission and was succeeded by Shenzhou 17, demonstrating the continuity of China's crewed spaceflight program. The mission is part of China's broader efforts to establish and maintain a permanent human presence in space through the Tiangong space station program.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Shenzhou 16",
  "description": "Crewed spaceflight of the Shenzhou program of China",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_16",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56761",
    "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Shenzhou-16"
  ],
  "additionalType": "space mission"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report