Over 300 Hungarian students, scientists, and officials gathered at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences last week for a groundbreaking exchange with astronauts aboard the China Space Station. The event, part of the 'Tiangong Classroom' initiative, showcased deepening collaboration between China and Hungary in aerospace innovation and STEM education.
Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie of the Shenzhou-20 crew answered pre-submitted questions from students across 100 Hungarian schools. A pre-recorded video demonstration of zero-gravity experiments added a dynamic visual element to the session, sparking enthusiasm among young attendees.
Notable participants included 16-year-old Tamas Pinter Keresztes, founder of Hungary's first high school rocket development group, who received feedback on his proposed space experiment. 'This cooperation makes me really happy,' he told reporters, reflecting the event's impact on aspiring scientists.
Hungarian Academy of Sciences Vice President Ferenc Hudecz emphasized the program's significance: 'It highlights China's emergence as a global leader in space research and commitment to inspiring younger generations.' Chinese Ambassador Gong Tao framed the exchange as part of broader technological collaboration, stating, 'Only through open cooperation can we climb higher peaks of science.'
The event occurred during the Shenzhou-20 crew's six-month mission, launched in April, underscoring China's expanding international space partnerships.
