Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On January 16, 2026, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center held a press conference with the Shenzhou-20 crew at the Beijing Aerospace City. This was the first official public appearance for Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie to the media and the public 63 days after their return from the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. They answered reporters' questions about their experiences during their space stay and the emergency response to a space debris impact on the porthole.
At the press conference, the crew detailed the emergency situation before the return. During the final pre-return checks, the crew discovered a triangular through-crack in the return capsule porthole, initially determined to be caused by a space debris impact. Commander Chen Dong immediately took photos and transmitted them back to Earth. Together with the Shenzhou-21 crew, they meticulously observed and discussed the porthole's condition, fully cooperating with ground control to complete the verification. Chen Dong believes that "two beliefs are essential": First, belief in the ground team, who will anticipate all possibilities and exhaust all means to formulate the safest return plan for us. Second, belief in ourselves; we are well-trained astronauts, capable of handling various unexpected malfunctions, remaining calm and composed." Astronaut Chen Zhongrui stated that the ground team conducted thorough emergency response training, and more importantly, the strong support of the motherland, the meticulous and dedicated Chinese manned spaceflight team, and the united and cooperative crew gave him confidence. Wang Jie expressed his admiration for the powerful force of the crew and millions of ground-based aerospace personnel working together in harmony. They responded swiftly to the emergency plan and systematically carried out all preparations before the delayed return, following ground instructions. Ultimately, with the precise assessment and efficient support of the ground team, the Shenzhou-20 crew successfully transferred to the Shenzhou-21 return capsule and landed safely. From the discovery of the emergency to the completion of the "transfer" and return, and the successful docking of Shenzhou-22 with the space station, the entire process took only a little over 20 days. China's manned space program delivered a perfect answer to the world with "safety and efficiency."
As the Chinese astronaut with the most extravehicular activity (EVA) missions to date, Chen Dong has completed six EVAs. From equipment installation during the space station's construction phase to the installation of space debris protection panels during its operational phase, each EVA carries the important mission of safeguarding our space home. Chen Dong's seventh EVA was his first time providing support from inside the spacecraft, an experience that left a deep impression. "Although my body didn't leave the spacecraft, my brain and eyes were constantly following my teammates' operations," he said, appreciating the hard work of the ground command team.
Chen Dong has completed three missions, becoming the first Chinese astronaut to stay in orbit for a total of over 400 days. Summarizing his experiences from the three missions, Chen Dong said that through repeated missions, the ground training system has become increasingly scientific and sophisticated, the on-orbit-space coordination has become more seamless and efficient, and health protection measures have been continuously improved, giving him increasing confidence in completing his missions.
As a member of the third batch of astronauts, Chen Zhongrui completed a 204-day stay on his first spaceflight. From initial unfamiliarity and discomfort in space to later mastery, he overcame numerous tasks under high pressure, delivering an outstanding performance with consistent results.
During this mission, Chen Zhongrui performed three extravehicular activity (EVA) missions, with his first EVA being particularly challenging. "The first EVA started from the node module, the first time from that module since the space station's completion. There was no experience to draw upon, so the pressure was immense," he explained. To ensure mission success, the crew repeatedly practiced the procedures, memorizing every movement. Ultimately, he summarized the operational principles as "three stabilities and one slowness": a stable mindset, a stable body, stable operations, and slow movements. With seamless coordination between space and ground and the close cooperation of the three crew members, the first EVA mission was successfully completed after more than eight hours of extravehicular activity.
"Only through tempering can steel be forged. The road to space is long and arduous, but China's space program will fulfill its mission!" Chen Zhongrui stated that the record-breaking stay on his first spaceflight was a valuable learning experience, and he will continue to strive and venture into even more distant space.
From a ground-based aerospace scientist involved in the construction of the space station to a spaceflight engineer personally operating and maintaining it in space, Wang Jie deeply understands the value of "applying what you've learned." In space, the accumulated basic knowledge, design principles, and muscle memory and adaptive thinking developed through numerous simulations in the event of equipment malfunctions instantly come in handy. Wang Jie said, "Every bit of knowledge I learn and every operation I practice is for this moment of composure in space."
During the days of delayed return, as a flight engineer, Wang Jie undertook the crucial task of maintaining the environmental control and life support system during the six-person stay. "This system is the 'life center' of the space station. We inspect its parameters daily, like caring for a living organism, and meticulously regulate oxygen and water supplies," he explained. He added that by optimizing work and rest areas and the sleeping environment, they ensured that every astronaut could rest peacefully. He vividly remembers the "space barbecue" that garnered much attention online; the integrated "range hood" heating device was easy to operate, and the aroma of grilled chicken wings and steaks filled the air, becoming a heartwarming highlight of life in space.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have felt the solid progress of China's aerospace industry and the silent dedication of countless aerospace workers with every step," he said. He expressed his commitment to continuing to complete all missions with full enthusiasm, living up to the trust placed in him by the motherland and its people. According to reports, after returning from their mission, the Shenzhou-20 crew completed all necessary isolation and recuperation phases and has now fully transitioned to the observation and recovery phase. Currently, under the meticulous care and support of the research support team at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, the Shenzhou-20 crew is in good physical and mental condition, with all medical examination results normal. Their muscle strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary function have essentially recovered to pre-flight levels. After completing all recovery tasks and undergoing a health assessment, the three astronauts will begin normal training.
