After touching down on Earth on April 30, 2025, the Shenzhou-19 crew—Commander Cai Xuzhe, Pilot Song Lingdong and Mission Specialist Wang Haoze—stepped before the press for the first time since their return from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Chinese mainland. Their record-setting 183-day mission not only pushed human endurance in low Earth orbit but also paved the way for the next era of space station operations.
Fresh from quarantine and rehabilitation, all three astronauts have been cleared medically and have entered a standard observation period. With health metrics in top shape, they are already reflecting on the teamwork and technologies that defined their voyage.
"Our crew united as one with shared beliefs and goals," said Commander Cai Xuzhe. "This spirit powered continuous advancement of China's manned space program and proved that collaboration is our strongest asset in space."
Pilot Song Lingdong highlighted the rigorous preparations behind his spacewalks. "Day after day, we honed every detail to ensure success in extravehicular activities. Opening the airlock hatch was the moment my personal dream aligned perfectly with our national achievements in space exploration."
Mission Specialist Wang Haoze shone a light on the mission's tech milestones: "Testing the space pipeline robot system validated its potential for future station maintenance. Standing on the shoulders of generations of aerospace pioneers, I am confident our science experiments will drive even greater breakthroughs."
Launched on October 30, 2024, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Chinese mainland, Shenzhou-19 set a new world record for the longest single EVA duration during its three spacewalks. Over 70 space science experiments and technology trials took place onboard, including robotic maintenance tests critical to next-generation station operations.
As the astronauts embark on outreach events and share their insights with the public, the Shenzhou-19 mission stands as a testament to human resilience, cutting-edge innovation and international inspiration. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and space enthusiasts alike, this chapter of exploration underscores a universal truth: when people unite around a shared vision, the sky is no limit.
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China's Shenzhou-19 astronauts meet press after return from space
cgtn.com
