On October 16, 2003, China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, returned to Earth after a successful one-day mission aboard Shenzhou 5. As Yang and other key figures in China's manned space program share their stories with younger generations today, China is also launching new space missions. Sun Ye has more. 

China's first taikonaut in space, Yang Liwei, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Shenzhou 5 mission with young students in Beijing, precisely twenty years to the day when he returned to Earth. 

Alongside other key figures of China's Manned Space Program, Yang encouraged the younger generation to dream big and work toward those dreams, all while reflecting on the mission that established China as the third country in the world capable of sending astronauts into space. 

YANG LIWEI First Taikonaut in Space "We have a sense of mission. So, when facing rocket launches that feel like a mountain crumbling and the earth splitting, many children also ask me, 'Are you nervous?' If I were to say I'm not nervous at all, that would be impossible. However, we have undergone training, and the psychological impact of such risks doesn't affect our work." 

His story has inspired so many, including those who weren't even born in 2003. 

This sixth-grader said she looks up to Yang for his tenacity and bravery, and she hopes to work in space one day. 

These two eight-year-olds both express their hopes of becoming astronauts and visiting the moon. 

Twenty years since the Shenzhou 5 mission, China now has its space station in long-term operation. 

The three-member Shenzhou 16 crew has been there for over four months. China aims to send taikonauts to the moon before the end of this decade. 

ZHANG ZHI Chief Designer, Carrier Rocket System, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology "Shenzhou 5, which was the Long March 2F Y-5 mission, I was there at the scene as the Commander Zero 2. Over the years, we've been working tirelessly to make rockets more reliable, safer, and more comfortable. The new generation of crewed rockets is progressing smoothly according to the established plan. It is expected to be ready for its maiden flight in 2027." 

SUN YE Beijing "The Shenzhou 17 mission is scheduled to launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center later this month, where three taikonauts would head to China space station. Sun Ye, CGTN, Beijing."