Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) — 400 kilometers above Earth, crew members on a Chinese space station will not be able to return home to celebrate the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), but Chinese astronauts have found unique ways to make the traditional Chinese holiday warm and enjoyable.
The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard the Tiangong space station, which translates as "Heavenly Palace," are celebrating the traditional Chinese New Year, which this year is symbolized by the Horse. On Monday, the eve of the Chinese New Year, the three astronauts sent their greetings to Earth via a video released by the China Manned Space Administration (CMSA).
"I wish everyone all the best and peace," said mission commander and pilot Zhang Lu. This is his second time celebrating this holiday in space. Zhang Lu also participated in the Shenzhou-15 mission, launched in November 2022, and spent six months in orbit.
For astronaut Wu Fei, this is his first Spring Festival in orbit, and he proudly describes the experience as refreshing. "The Year of the Horse requires the energy of a galloping steed. Let's continue to strive for our dreams and work for happiness," said the young flight engineer. "I wish you a safe and prosperous journey, and a life that gets better and better."
Noting that scientific experiments on the space station are steadily advancing, payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, a poetry enthusiast, said, "In the new year, we will continue to explore space like a galloping horse, writing new chapters in the boundless starry sky." As a scientist-turned-astronaut, he also wished prosperity to China's scientific and technological achievements, saying, "May every perseverance be rewarded."
Notably, this is the fourth Spring Festival that astronauts have celebrated aboard the space station since its completion in 2022.
Even though these space explorers are far from home, they feel the same holiday warmth as people on Earth.
The Shenzhou-21 mission trio decorated the space station with red lanterns, Chinese knots, and paper crafts. They will also enjoy traditions they typically share with their families on Earth, such as eating dumplings and other delicacies symbolizing prosperity, peace, and good fortune.
Compared to previous crews, the Shenzhou-21 crew members had one more dish on their table: a freshly baked pie cooked in a space oven.
The Shenzhou-21 crew, launched on October 31, 2025, has already completed 100 days of spaceflight. According to the aforementioned department, all tasks, including scientific experiments, equipment maintenance, and health management, are proceeding smoothly.
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