BEIJING – Orbiting Earth at breakneck speed, the Shenzhou-21 mission’s astronauts are preparing for a unique Spring Festival. They’ve festooned the Chinese space station with holiday cheer, invoking blessings for the country’s wealth and people’s happiness. It’s the fourth Lunar New Year in this fully functional orbital laboratory.
For Commander Chang Lu, it’s round two in space for the celebrations. Peering at Earth, he expressed overwhelming fondness for kin and country, a poignant reminder of bonds unbroken by distance.
Wu Fei, celebrating his inaugural space festival, drew inspiration from the zodiac. ‘Embrace the Horse Year’s dynamism to fuel our aspirations,’ he advised, motivating both crew and ground control.
Chang Hongchang hailed it as life’s pinnacle moment. Vowing to pen fresh cosmic narratives, he toasted to national innovation.
Monday night’s vigil features gourmet space rations: classic Chinese dishes alongside pioneering cakes from the onboard oven, debuting in zero-g.
The mission, which lifted off October 31, 2025, sees the crew immersed in over 100 days of research, upkeep, and medical monitoring – cornerstones of China’s space dominance.
Amid global space races, this event underscores cultural continuity. As red lanterns glow below, the astronauts’ greetings unite a nation, blending heritage with high-tech horizons.