Shenzhou-16 crew shares experiences of life on China Space Station

Shenzhou-16 crew members have met the press for the first time since returning to Earth from the China Space Station. They shared details on Friday about their five months in space at a press conference held by the China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing.

The trio – Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao – returned to Earth 80 days ago after their mission in space. They were launched with the Shenzhou-16 spaceship from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on May 30, 2023, and stayed in orbit for 154 days, during which they conducted one extravehicular activity and delivered the fourth live class from the China Space Station.

Following their return to Earth, the crew members have completed the quarantine and recuperation stages and have now transitioned to the observation phase. Currently, all three astronauts are in excellent physical and mental conditions, with their body weight stabilized at pre-flight levels. Their muscle strength, endurance and cardiopulmonary functions have recovered to levels observed prior to the mission.

Wearing four badges of honor from his successful spaceflights on his chest, commander Jing said his crew, for the first time, comprised a diverse trio of astronauts from different career backgrounds, including an aircraft pilot, a flight engineer and a payload specialist.

"A professional handles professional affairs," said the senior pilot, adding that the division of work was clear-cut, with each one being charged with specific tasks.

The Shenzhou-16 mission marked Jing's fourth journey into space, making him the most experienced Chinese astronaut.

Flight engineer Zhu was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the space station platform. He said the greatest challenge was to ensure "zero mistakes in daily operations" during the five-month mission.

"In fact, many things that seem very simple and easy on the ground are no longer so easy and simple in space. Some of the in-space operations cannot be simulated during our training on the ground," Zhu said. "Such operations require our crew to learn and train independently in orbit and solve problems promptly and effectively."

"We successfully completed the mission and ensured the safe, stable, efficient and long-term operation of the space station," Zhu told the media. "I will try hard to return to the space station at an early date and make new contributions to our country's space industry."

Payload specialist Gui was the first civilian Chinese astronaut to fly in space. "Having the opportunity to participate in a multitude of cutting-edge research projects in space was an extraordinary experience, and I take great pride in it," Gui said.

"We didn't just do experiments; we were also the subjects of experiments," Gui added. "We enjoyed the fun of the zero-gravity environment and, at the same time, enjoyed scientific exploration."

The spectacled university professor said he would incorporate the accomplishments attained throughout the space mission into his future scientific research endeavors, classroom instruction and talent cultivation.

"Whether I am in space or back on the ground, I will keep the universe in mind, strive for the unity of knowledge and action, and practice my original aspiration and mission as an astronaut and a teacher through my actions," Gui said.

(With input from Xinhua.)