(ECNS) -- Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang met the press at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing Wednesday, their first public appearance since returning to Earth and completing post-flight quarantine and rehabilitation.
Their 210-day mission set a new record for the longest single crew stay by Chinese astronauts.
During the mission, the crew completed three spacewalks, installed space-debris protection devices and carried out experiments in fundamental physics under microgravity, materials science, life science, space medicine and space technology.
The mission also saw several firsts in China’s crewed space program: a spacecraft return delayed after a space-debris strike, a crew switching spacecraft for the journey home, and an emergency spacecraft launch.
Zhang Lu completed seven spacewalks across the Shenzhou-15 and Shenzhou-21 missions, setting a record for a Chinese astronaut. Wu Fei, who helped develop the Tianhe and Wentian modules before becoming an astronaut, said operating the equipment in orbit gave him a sense of familiarity. Zhang Hongzhang shared several scientific breakthroughs achieved during the mission, including China's first successful aeroponic cultivation of cherry tomatoes and wheat in orbit, the first closed-loop breeding of mice in space, and the validation of key technologies for efficient spectral and water-fertilizer utilization.
An official from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center said the three astronauts are in good physical and mental condition, with their muscle strength, endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness largely restored to preflight levels. They have entered a recovery observation phase and will return to regular training and work following a final health assessment.
(By Intern Yang Hongran, Zhang Dongfang)
京公网安备 11010202009201号