The Long March-2F Y18 carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship was launched at 20:59, April 25th 2024 (Beijing time) at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. About 10 minutes later, the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship was successfully separated from the rocket and entered the predetermined orbit. The crew is in good conditions. The launch achieved a complete success.

After entering orbit, the spacecraft will conduct a fast automated rendezvous and docking with the combination of the space station according to the predetermined procedure. The crew of Shenzhou-18 will take over the work from those of Shenzhou-17. During their work and stay in the space station, the crew of Shenzhou-18 will conduct multiple extravehicular activities, and carry out a large number of space science experiments in basic physics of micro-gravity, space material science, space life science, space medicine, space technology, and other fields. They will execute a series of tasks, such as the installation of reinforcement devices for protection against space debris, installation and recovery of extravehicular payloads and platform equipment.

This mission is the third manned flight mission of China's manned space program during the phase of space station application and development, the 32th launch mission since initiation of the program, and the 518th flight of Long March carrier rockets.

At present, the space station combination has entered the docking orbit and is in good operation, meeting the mission requirements for rendezvous and docking with Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship and the conditions for astronauts to stay there.