Astronaut insights from mid mission aboard Tiangong

Astronaut insights from mid mission aboard Tiangong
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 03, 2025

China's Shenzhou-19 mission has reached its midpoint as the three crew members aboard the Tiangong space station share their unique experiences during the Spring Festival. Orbiting 400 kilometers above Earth, the astronauts offered a rare glimpse into their daily work routines and personal moments. Crew commander Cai Xuzhe, returning to the station after nearly two years, described his arrival as "warm and familiar" in a video published on China's CCTV.

This mission marks Cai's second assignment on the space station though his first Spring Festival celebration in space. In 2022, he spent six months on the Shenzhou-14 mission. Since the crew's arrival on Oct 30 2024, they have carried out a series of tasks including a handover with the Shenzhou-18 team, routine station maintenance, and two extravehicular activities.

The spacewalks are vital for conducting repairs, performing experiments, and testing equipment outside the station. Cai highlighted the extensive training that involved system-wide emergency pressure drills and medical rescue exercises. He stated, "These exercises have significantly improved our ability to handle unexpected situations, allowing us to work more efficiently and safely," emphasizing the benefits of their rigorous preparation.

Supported by ground teams, the astronauts have also advanced key scientific research projects, such as investigations into human brain organoids and material exposure tests in space's extreme environment. Cai noted that their scientific efforts span areas including space life science, microgravity physics, space material science, and aerospace medicine.

Song Lingdong, who participated in two spacewalks, recounted his profound first-hand experience. He said, "Before my first EVA, I imagined what it would be like, but nothing prepared me for the moment I opened the hatch and saw Earth. It was breathtaking," and added, "Climbing on the module walls, I felt as if I was walking on clouds." He further noted, "I was mesmerized by the beauty of space, but at the same time, I felt the weight of our mission."

During their nine-hour spacewalk, China's new-generation spacesuits proved both safe and effective, according to Song. Addressing public curiosity regarding sustenance during EVAs, he explained, "We eat high-calorie meals beforehand and drink functional beverages during the task. We highly concentrate on the tasks and don't feel hungry."

Life on board is not solely about work. During the Spring Festival, the crew made time to rest, contact their families, and capture stunning images of Earth and space. Song mentioned, "We sent New Year greetings from space and recorded videos to cherish these moments," while planning to preserve these memories for his children.

Wang Haoze, China's first female space engineer on the station, expressed pride in the nation's space achievements while marveling at the advanced systems of their space home. Despite a demanding schedule, the crew also finds pleasure in simple activities. Wang said, "We float freely like 'sky flyers,' lift heavy objects effortlessly, interact with our AI assistant, and even grow vegetables and raise fruit flies."

Wang, who enjoys writing space diaries, also cherishes moments spent gazing through the porthole at Earth's diverse landscapes from vast oceans to towering mountains. She shared, "Seeing our homeland from space fills me with excitement, pride, and longing."

To counter the effects of weightlessness, the crew adheres to a strict exercise regimen using equipment such as a space treadmill, stationary bike, and resistance devices. Wang explained, "These exercises keep our bones, muscles and hearts healthy. And with balanced meals, we feel strong and energized." The team also bonds over shared meals and humor, culminating in Wang's heartfelt message, "May our nation thrive, and may we achieve new heights together, from space to Earth."

This celebration marks the third Spring Festival since the Chinese space station became fully operational. Nine crew members from Shenzhou-15, Shenzhou-17, and Shenzhou-19 have welcomed the New Year and observed the Spring Festival in orbit.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article