China launches Shenzhou-21, crew to set new space station record

China successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft on Friday, sending three astronauts on a six-month mission to the Tiangong space station. The crew will conduct over two dozen scientific experiments and is expected to set a new national record for the longest crewed spaceflight mission.

The mission, commanded by veteran astronaut Zhang Lu, also carries four lab mice for China's first mammalian reproduction experiment in orbit. The Shenzhou-21 crew will replace the Shenzhou-20 team, which is returning after a 188-day stay. 

Xinhua