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China successfully launches Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft, carrying civilian taikonaut, 'space mice'
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft, continuing its ambitious space program with a mission to its Tiangong space station. The mission notably includes a civilian taikonaut among the crew, marking another step in China's expansion of its astronaut corps beyond military personnel. The spacecraft also carries biological research subjects including mice, reflecting ongoing scientific experiments aboard the station.