Three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-21 mission returned safely to Earth after completing a record-setting 210-day stay aboard China’s space station. The crew landed at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia, marking the successful conclusion of the mission.
Record-Breaking Stay in Orbit
The crew, consisting of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, spent 210 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest single-crew mission on China’s space station.
According to the China Manned Space Agency, all three astronauts returned in good health and completed their mission successfully.
Major Achievements During the Mission
During their stay aboard the Tiangong Space Station, the astronauts carried out three spacewalks and completed a range of maintenance and scientific tasks. These included installing space debris protection devices and conducting inspections of spacecraft equipment.
Mission commander Zhang Lu increased his total number of spacewalks to seven, becoming the Chinese astronaut with the most extravehicular activities to date.
Breakthrough Scientific Research
The crew conducted experiments in space medicine, material science, physics, and life sciences. Researchers successfully achieved the first closed-environment breeding of mice aboard China’s space station, creating a foundation for future mammal studies in space.
Scientists also grew cherry tomatoes and wheat using aeroponic technology for the first time on the station. In addition, the mission produced low-defect indium selenide crystals that could support future semiconductor development.
Advances in Space Medicine and Technology
The astronauts tested non-contact monitoring of physiological indicators through facial micro-movement analysis and developed preliminary models for measuring exercise fatigue in space.
Furthermore, they successfully conducted the first in-orbit ignition test of a new ionic liquid propellant, providing valuable data for future spacecraft propulsion systems.
Strengthening China’s Space Program
The successful completion of the Shenzhou-21 mission represents another milestone for China’s rapidly advancing space program. The mission expanded scientific knowledge, validated new technologies, and strengthened capabilities for long-duration human spaceflight.
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