Crew members of the Shenzhou XIII mission return to Earth

Before the end of 2022, China will send six astronauts in the Shenzhou XIV and XV missions with two space lab components as well as two robotic cargo spaceships to dock with Tiangong, completing the massive orbiting outpost, the largest space-based infrastructure the nation has ever built.

Upon its completion, Tiangong will be manned regularly by groups of three astronauts in periods lasting several months. During handovers to new three-astronaut groups, the station will accommodate up to six astronauts.