The three astronauts from China’s Shenzhou-17 crewed mission made their first public appearance on Friday since returning to Earth two months ago. The press conference, held at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing, showcased the crew’s remarkable achievements during their record-breaking 187-day space mission.
Commander Tang Hongbo, along with crewmates Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, reported that they are in excellent physical and mental health. “Our muscle strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary function have basically returned to pre-flight levels,” said Tang Hongbo, who has now become the Chinese astronaut with the longest cumulative spaceflight time.
Launched on October 26, 2023, the Shenzhou-17 mission set a new duration record for China’s space missions, surpassing previous crews. During their time aboard the Tiangong Space Station, the astronauts conducted 84 space application experiments and tests, producing over 200 samples across multiple fields, contributing significantly to scientific research and technological advancements.
Tang Shengjie, at 34, is the youngest astronaut to have entered China’s space station. He celebrated his birthday during the mission and expressed his eagerness to return to space. “I will undergo follow-up training and strive for an early return,” he told reporters.
The crew successfully performed two spacewalks, including China’s first extravehicular maintenance task. Jiang Xinlin shared insights into the extravehicular activities, noting that their comprehensive training ensured the processes went smoothly. “Our preparation was thorough, allowing us to face challenges confidently,” he said.
The astronauts’ return on April 30 marked the completion of a mission that not only broke records but also advanced China’s manned spaceflight capabilities. “I am honored to witness and participate in the remarkable advancements,” said Tang Hongbo. Their contributions have paved the way for future missions and inspired a new generation of space explorers.
According to the Astronaut Center, the trio will resume regular training after passing all health and wellbeing assessments, preparing for upcoming opportunities in China’s ambitious space program.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
