Record-Breaking Speed: Shenzhou-21 Crewed Spacecraft Docks with China’s Space Station in Just 3.5 Hours

Published:November 1, 2025

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China’s Shenzhou-21 spacecraft set a new record, completing an autonomous docking with the nation’s space station in just 3.5 hours. The mission also carried China’s first mammalian specimens—four mice—into orbit for scientific experiments.

According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft successfully docked with the front port of the Tianhe core module of China’s space station at 3:22 a.m. Beijing time on November 1, 2025. The autonomous docking process took only about 3.5 hours — the fastest ever recorded for a Shenzhou spacecraft.

Following the docking, the three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-21 will enter the Tianhe core module. The Shenzhou-20 crew has already completed preparations to welcome the new team.

The Shenzhou-21 crew consists of Commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong, Colonel Chen Zhongrui and Colonel Wang Jie, representing China’s three active astronaut categories — pilot, flight engineer, and payload specialist.

The mission also carries six scientific experiment payloads to the space station, including four mice, marking the first time mammalian specimens have been sent into China’s space station for scientific research.