As China marked its National Day with nationwide celebrations, three astronauts aboard the China Space Station shared a celestial tribute to the nation. Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, currently orbiting 400 kilometers above Earth, delivered heartfelt messages to the Chinese mainland and its people during a live broadcast from the station's core module.
"We carry the pride of our nation's achievements in space exploration," said mission commander Chen Dong, floating before a camera displaying a digital Chinese flag. The crew emphasized their commitment to advancing scientific research while fostering "patriotic spirit through the lens of space."
The Shenzhou-20 mission, now entering its fourth month, has conducted over 30 technical experiments ranging from material science to biological studies in microgravity. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed the crew will remain in orbit through December, coordinating with ground teams to prepare for upcoming module expansions.
This milestone coincides with growing international interest in China's space program, particularly its collaborations with emerging space agencies across Asia and the Global South. Analysts note such displays of technological prowess resonate strongly with diaspora communities while underscoring Asia's expanding role in cutting-edge innovation.
