China's Shenzhou-21 crew has just welcomed Shenzhou-23 astronauts aboard the China Space Station, where the two teams captured the eighth historic group photo of Chinese crews meeting in-orbit.
The reunion also marked the second time commanders Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Lu had met in space. Their previous encounter was during the 2023 in-orbit handover between the Shenzhou-15 and Shenzhou-16 crews.
Reviewing all eight orbital handovers, every reunion reflects the romance and dedication of China's astronauts and space program.
A group photo of Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15 crews in space, November 30, 2022. (Photos: CMSA)
A group photo of Shenzhou-15 and Shenzhou-16 crews in space, May 30, 2023.
A group photo of Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 crews in space, October 26, 2023.
A group photo of Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-18 crews in space, April 26, 2024.
A group photo of Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19 crews in space, October 30, 2024.
A group photo of Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 crews in space, April 25, 2025.
A group photo of Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews in space, November 1, 2025.
A group photo of Shenzhou-21 and Shenzhou-23 crews in space, May 25, 2026.