The three astronauts of the Shenzhou-19 crewed mission are readapting smoothly to Earth's gravity after returning from space, with full gravity adjustment expected within hours, said an official at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center on Wednesday.
The return capsule of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, carrying astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Wednesday.
The three astronauts are all in good health, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
"According to our assessment, all three astronauts are in excellent health, with their gravity readapting proceeding smoothly. Currently, they are undergoing further medical examinations in three separate medical monitoring vehicles, including thorough physical exams, electrocardiograms, ultrasounds, imaging studies, and the assessment of body fluid and physiological indicators," said Xu Chong, the official.
Upon returning to Earth, the astronauts' immediate priority is to re-adapt to gravity. Xu explained the time needed for this critical physiological adjustment process.
"Overall, the astronauts' readapting to gravity is actually a very rapid process. From the moment the return capsule touches down on Earth, the various organ systems of the astronauts start to swiftly adjust to the gravitational environment. Whether in the return capsule, or just outside it, including inside the current medical monitoring vehicles, the astronauts' different organ systems further adapt to gravity. Therefore, it can be said that the entire rapid adaptation process typically takes place within a few hours. Upon returning to Beijing, within a day or two, the astronauts' orthostatic tolerance, muscle coordination, and balance function will undergo further recovery," Xu said.
The three astronauts are scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday, where they will immediately begin an isolation recovery period.
The Shenzhou-19 crew was sent into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct 30, 2024. Prior to the return, the crew handed over the space station to the Shenzhou-20 astronauts who got on board on Friday.
Shenzhou-19 astronauts re-adapt smoothly to Earth's gravity: official
China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games officially concluded on Monday evening, capping an inspirational eight-day event that set new records for participation and athletic achievements.
Held for the first time jointly by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, the Games featured 46 competitive events and attracted more than 11,000 participants from 34 delegations, marking the largest turnout in the event's history.
Athletes shattered 15 world records and set 156 new national records in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, and track cycling.
The Games showcased not only extraordinary athleticism, but also the indomitable spirit of disabled competitors who transcended physical limitations through sport.
The 21-year-old Hong Kong para table tennis player Wong Yue-ching, a student at the University of Hong Kong, competed with only one-third the grip strength of an able-bodied person in her right hand. Wong used a wrist strap to secure her racket. She finished sixth in the women's singles class 7 event and credited the sport for transforming her life.
"[Playing table tennis] has completely rewritten my life. I want to become a teacher. Perhaps one day, I can teach children at a special school and share my story with them, to show that as long as you keep searching, you will surely find your path in life," said Wong.
This edition of the Games significantly increased the numbers of both Special Olympic and mass participation events, allowing more people to enjoy the fun of sports.
From seamless event organization to the creation of a comprehensive, region-wide barrier-free environment, the Games has set a benchmark and delivered a replicable model for future para-sporting events in China and beyond.
"Drawing on their complementary strengths and working in close coordination, with synchronized planning and implementation, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have extended the concept of disability inclusion far beyond the competition venues into all aspects of daily life. This not only showcases the remarkable achievements and vibrant momentum of Chinese modernization, but also highlights a new chapter in the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the advancement of the cause of the disabled," said Chang Zheng, deputy director of the Games' organizing committee.
China's 12th National Para Games conclude with record attendance, athletic achievements
