The two astronauts who manned China's Shenzhou-11 mission made their first public appearance on Wednesday after almost three weeks in quarantine following their safe return to Earth on November 18.
Jing Haipeng, 50, commander of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, and Chen Dong, 38, appeared in good spirits after rounds of physical therapy and exercise, and shared their experience in the Tiangong-2 space lab with the press.
The two astronauts Jing Haipeng (2nd L) and Chen Dong (3rd L) who manned China's Shenzhou-11 mission meet the press following almost three weeks in quarantine in Beijing, capital of China, on December 7, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
“I felt the journey into space this time was quite safe and had reliable technical support. The rocket, the spacecraft and the Tiangong-2 space lab, and even our clothes, our training management and our diets had been improved. We had a very good menu during our 33-day journey,” said Jing.
He added it was special for him to celebrate his 50th birthday in space. In completing his third space mission, Jing who participated in the Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions as well, has become the most experienced Chinese astronaut ever.
Jing Haipeng, commander of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, answers questions during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, on December 7, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
Jing also had high praise for his much younger colleague, Chen Dong, who was on his maiden mission.
Chen said he had many unforgettable moments, including raising silkworms and watching them spin cocoons.
Chinese astronaut Chen Dong answers questions during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, on December 7, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
“It was the first time I experienced movement in space. I felt my body was as light as a feather, I was also excited to see the amazing sunsets and sunrises, they were really beautiful. I am quite happy to see that the lettuce seeds we cultivated in space have sprouted and grown up,” said Chen.
Jing and Chen conducted more than 40 experiments while in orbit. Their 33-day journey is so far the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts. With the completion of the Shenzhou-11 mission, China has made a significant step toward establishing its first space station, a project that is expected to be realized in 2022.
The two astronauts Jing Haipeng (L) and Chen Dong who manned China's Shenzhou-11 mission meet the press following almost three weeks in quarantine in Beijing, capital of China, on December 7, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
According to Huang Weifen, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system with the Astronaut Center of China, the astronauts' health checks matched the expectations; however, they will continue to be observed for another month to ensure they are completely acclimatized.
