Shenzhou-17, China’s 12th manned spaceflight, lifts off on Thursday morning from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert. Photo: Xinhua

On Thursday at 11:14 a.m., the Long March 2F carrier rocket ignites ahead of liftoff, carrying the manned Shenzhou-17 spacecraft. Photo: IC Photo

The Shenzhou-17 streaks into the sky headed for space. Photo: IC Photo

The three astronauts inside the spacecraft. Photo: China Manned Space Agency

Tang Hongbo (center), Tang Shengjie (right) and Jiang Xinlin are the youngest-ever Chinese crew to fly into space. Photo: China Manned Space Agency

Tang Hongbo carries out training for plant cultivation on July 21. Photo: Xinhua

Jiang Xinlin undertakes training that simulates extravehicular activity on Sept. 8. Photo: Xinhua

Tang Shengjie undergoes noise tolerance training on June 7, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Three astronauts undergo specialized training. Photo: China Manned Space Agency

The three astronauts wave during Thursday's send-off ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Photo: VCG