Shenzhou‑21 Space Message

The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's Tiangong space station recorded a special video message on Friday to mark the 11th Space Day of China. It sent their best wishes for the steady (稳步的) progress of the nation's space program.

"Today, we wish China's space programs continued success. We also hope all those with an interest in space can go bravely into the vast universe (宇宙)," said Zhang Lu, commander of the Shenzhou-21 mission, in the video.

Crew member Wu Fei also shared his moving life story in the recorded video. In October 2003, as a(n) young child watching the return of the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft, he wrote a simple wish on a piece of paper: I want to go to space. In October 2025, he became a member of the Shenzhou-21 crew and finally realised his childhood dream.

"A. Living and working aboard our space station, I have come to understand more deeply that children's curiosity is the best fuel(燃料) for space exploration. The books they read are the tickets to the stars," Wu noted. He gave an encouraging message to young space lovers, "The future of China's space program will one day rest on(寄托于) you."

Crew member Zhang Hongzhang said every day on the space station holds special meaning, because it combines scientific ideals with spaceflight dreams.

"With stars shining in the sky and clouds moving nearby, our hearts light up the heavens," Zhang recited a short poem.

The Shenzhou-21 crew entered the Tiangong space station on Nov. 1, 2025. They have now been in orbit for more than five months.