Beijing: The crew of Shenzhou-21, currently aboard the Chinese space station, has sent Lunar New Year greetings to their homeland and the Chinese people. The astronauts, led by mission commander Zhang Lu and accompanied by Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, have been in orbit for over three months and report being in good health.
According to Thai News Agency, Zhang Lu, a veteran of the Shenzhou-15 mission and a long-time record holder for extraterrestrial missions, shared that this is his second time celebrating the Lunar New Year in space. He described feeling a sense of peace and a strong connection to the mission. To mark the occasion, the crew decorated the space station with bright red colors to create a festive atmosphere.
Wu Fei, experiencing Chinese New Year in space for the first time, expressed a sense of novelty and pride in fulfilling his duty. As the Year of the Horse approaches, he encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams and create happiness with the enthusiastic spirit of a galloping horse. He extended wishes for success and prosperity to all dreamers.
Zhang Hongzhang highlighted that spending the Lunar New Year in space was an invaluable experience. He noted that various scientific experiments in orbit are progressing smoothly and showing impressive results. His aim is to continue exploring space to create new history, and he expressed hopes for continued scientific and technological advancements in his homeland, alongside good health for the people.
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday in China, with the New Year of the Horse falling on February 17th in 2026. The three astronauts concluded their message by wishing everyone good fortune, happiness, and good health throughout the year.