The world turned its eyes to space as China's Shenzhou-17 mission marked a significant milestone in human space exploration. On Friday, the trio of astronauts—Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin—stepped into the spotlight for their first public appearance since returning to Earth after an extraordinary 187-day journey in orbit.
Launched on October 26, 2023, the Shenzhou-17 mission set a new record for the longest duration spent in space by a Chinese crew, surpassing all previous missions. The astronauts safely touched down on April 30, bringing back not only their personal experiences but also a wealth of scientific data.
During their time aboard the space station, the crew conducted 84 space application experiments and tests, producing over 200 samples across various scientific fields. These endeavors are expected to contribute significantly to advancements in space technology and research.
Crew commander Tang Hongbo made his second journey to the space station, solidifying his place as the Chinese astronaut with the longest cumulative time in space. In his remarks at the press conference held at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing, Tang expressed his pride in being part of China's burgeoning space program. \"I am honored to witness and participate in the remarkable advancements of China's manned spaceflights,\" he stated.
Tang Shengjie, the youngest astronaut to join China's space station, celebrated his 34th birthday during the mission. His youthful spirit and dedication shone through as he shared his aspirations for future space endeavors. \"I will undergo follow-up training and strive for an early return to space,\" Shengjie affirmed.
The mission also featured two spacewalks, culminating in China's first extravehicular maintenance task. Jiang Xinlin recounted the challenges and triumphs of these activities, highlighting the meticulous training that ensured their success. \"The process went smoothly thanks to the comprehensive training we underwent beforehand,\" Jiang noted.
Now back on Earth, the Shenzhou-17 astronauts are transitioning back to their regular routines. They will resume regular training after successfully passing all health and wellbeing assessments, preparing themselves for future missions and continuing China's quest for space exploration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
