The three astronauts of China’s Shenzhou-19 crewed mission made their first public appearance since returning to Earth, addressing the press in Beijing on Wednesday. Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze, who landed back on Earth on April 30 after a 183-day mission, were reported to be in excellent physical and mental health. Medical assessments confirmed that their muscle strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary fitness have largely returned to pre-mission levels.
Launched on October 30, 2024, Shenzhou-19 successfully docked with the Tianhe core module of China’s space station. Over the course of their mission, the crew conducted three extravehicular activities (EVAs), completed numerous cargo deliveries, and participated in a wide array of scientific and technological experiments.
“During the 183 days of orbital flight, we completed three extravehicular activities, multiple cargo delivery tasks, and a number of experiments and tests in various fields,” said Cai Xuzhe, the mission commander. Many of these initiatives marked firsts since the space station transitioned into its application and development phase.
The mission also set a new benchmark for China’s human spaceflight programme, with the crew recording the longest single EVA by Chinese astronauts—totalling nine hours.
In all, the Shenzhou-19 team executed 88 space science and technology experiments and tests, alongside six payload operations conducted both inside and outside the station modules.
Following their return, the astronauts have completed recovery tasks and health evaluations. They are now preparing to resume their regular training schedules.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: XUNHUA
