SAFE AND SOUND This combination of photos shows (from left) astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu being assisted out of the return capsule of the Shenzhou-13 spaceship at the Dongfeng landing site in China's northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on April 16, 2022. XINHUA PHOTO

BEIJING: Three Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-13-manned spaceship have completed their six-month space-station mission and returned to Earth safely on Saturday.

The mission marks China's completion of its verification of key technologies at its space station. It also sets a record for Chinese astronauts' duration in orbit, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Shenzhou-13's return capsule, which carried astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in China's northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 9:56 a.m.

The return capsule separated from the spaceship's orbiting capsule at 9:06 a.m. under the command of the Beijing Aerospace Control Center. The return capsule's braking engine was ignited at 9:30 a.m., followed by this capsule's separation from the propelling capsule.

After the return capsule successfully landed, the ground search team arrived at the landing site. Medical personnel on site confirmed that the astronauts were in good health after the hatch was opened.

The Shenzhou-13 spaceship was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China on Oct. 16, 2021. It later docked with the space station core module Tianhe.

After the docking, the three astronauts entered the core module and began their six-month stay in space.

During the mission, the crew performed extravehicular activities twice. They conducted several scientific and technological experiments, including manual remote operation and module transfer supported by the robotic arm.

They verified crucial technologies for the construction and operation of the space station to support long-term stays by astronauts, recycling and life-support system, supply of space materials, extravehicular activities and operations, and in-orbit maintenance.

The crew also delivered two live classes from the space station and conducted a series of activities, including science popularization.