Shenzhou 21

Shenzhou 21 (Chinese: 神舟二十一号; pinyin: Shénzhōu èrshíyī-hào; lit. 'Divine Boat Number 21') is a planned Chinese spaceflight to the Tiangong space station, expected to launch in 24 October 2025.^{[1][failed verification]} It will carry three taikonauts on board a Shenzhou spacecraft. The mission will be the 16th crewed Chinese spaceflight and the 21st flight overall of the Shenzhou program.

Background

Shenzhou 21 is expected to launch in October 2025, prior to the end of the previous mission, Shenzhou 20. It will be the 10th flight to the Tiangong space station, and is expected to last approximately 6 months. It will depart following the arrival of the Shenzhou 22 crew in 2026.

Mission

The mission will launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on board a Long March 2F rocket. The Shenzhou spacecraft will dock with the forward docking port on the Tianhe core module of the station, where the crew will enter and take over operations from the departing crew of Shenzhou 20.

Crew

Position	Crew member
Commander	TBA, CMSA
Operator	TBA, CMSA
Science Operator	TBA, CMSA

The crew for the Shenzhou 21 mission was selected in February 2025,^[2] but as of April 2025 has not been publicly announced.

References