Shenzhou-16 successfully launches to Tiangong space station, with China's first civilian astronaut

Three astronauts, including the first Chinese civilian, took off on Tuesday aboard the Shenzhou-16 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to the Tiangong Space Station for its second in-orbit crew rotation.

The footage features the astronauts' see-of ceremony as well as launch of Shenzhou-16 from its docking pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

According to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the mission was "a complete success" while the astronauts aboard the mission were in "good condition."

The team of astronauts, including Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao, will replace Shenzhou-15 astronauts who were working at the space station since November 2022.

The successful mission is another milestone China has achieved in its ambitious space program, making it the fifth manned mission in space since 2021. Beijing is expected to send another crewed mission to the space outpost this year.

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