In a heartwarming cosmic gesture, the Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's Tiangong space station beamed down a special video message ahead of International Children's Day, encouraging young minds worldwide to reach for the stars. Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie shared personal stories of childhood dreams that propelled them into orbit, offering a rare human perspective on space exploration.
From Childhood Dreams to Orbital Reality
The crew revealed how their early aspirations to 'contribute to China's space program' shaped their careers, with Wang Jie recalling building model rockets as a schoolgirl. Their message emphasized the importance of STEM education, urging children to 'study hard and help build our nation's future.'
Science in Zero Gravity
While sending inspirational messages, the astronauts continue groundbreaking work 380km above Earth. Recent activities include installing advanced debris shielding on the station's core module and conducting unique biological experiments studying planarian worm regeneration in microgravity – research that could advance medical science.
The crew has also completed critical safety drills and spacewalks to install protective equipment, demonstrating the complex balance of scientific inquiry and operational precision required in orbital missions.
