China's Space Station Hosts Sixth In-Orbit Crew Handover

Three Chinese astronauts boarded the space station to meet an existing trio for the sixth in-orbit crew handover. Over five days, they will perform tasks and transfer duties. Meanwhile, scientists globally gain access to analyze lunar samples from China's Chang'e-5 mission, marking a significant milestone in space collaboration.

In a significant event for China's space exploration efforts, three astronauts entered China's space station, Tiangong, early Friday. This marks the beginning of the sixth in-orbit crew handover. Welcomed by the existing crew, both teams will collaborate over five days, completing vital operational tasks.

The fresh Shenzhou-20 team, consisting of astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, follows their successful launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. Their predecessors, the Shenzhou-19 crew, are slated to return to Inner Mongolia's Dongfeng site on April 29.

Highlighting international cooperation amidst national achievements, the China National Space Administration announced the sharing of lunar samples from the Chang'e-5 mission. Researchers from several countries, including France, Germany, and the US, will study these materials, strengthening scientific collaborations across borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)