China launches new space mission with 3 astronauts

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Thursday launched three astronauts into space aboard its new Shenzhou-20 mission, according to live visuals from the launch center.

The spaceship was blasted into space at 5.17 p.m. local time (0917GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

Chinese astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie will join counterparts at the indigenously-built Tiangong space station. Chen Dong is the mission commander.

The Shenzhou-20 crew members will replace the Shenzhou-19 taikonauts, who will return home after conducting six months of research in space.

An official said the launch was a success.