China's Shenzhou-20 crew sent their best wishes to the whole people and nation for the Mid-Autumn Festival on Monday from the orbiting space station Tiangong.
The Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie shared their specially prepared space meals, delivering a distinctive festival greeting to the nation from hundreds of kilometers away from Earth.
Early on the morning of the festival, the trio first watered the space garden. The plants growing there are not just part of scientific experiments but also carry the vitality from their earthly home, accompanying the astronauts as they enjoy the same moon with people across the nation on earth.
"After removing the old leaves, new leaves could stretch out well. Look at this mint plant, it's really flourishing. It has bloomed with small flowers in space, truly beautiful," said Chen Zhongrui.
"Give the larger plants more water, forming big water droplets," said Wang Jie.
The astronauts also shared their space mooncakes and specially prepared dishes.
"We also have plenty of dishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival," said Chen Dong.
"First, we have delicious white king oyster mushrooms, the second is braised bamboo shoots, the third is bean curd rolls called 'golden rolls,' the fourth is minced pork with mushrooms, and the fifth is shrimp balls with water chestnuts. We also have some side dishes like rice noodles, space zongzi, and sweet osmanthus cheese rice cakes," said Wang.
"Today we have extra dishes, several more than usual," said Chen Dong.
"The portions are very generous. Now let's look at our meat dishes. First, braised pork, this is everyone's favorite. Second, spicy lamb, mildly spicy with a small chili icon on the pack. Then we have black pepper beef fillet, and our eight-treasure chicken. All taste pretty good!" said Chen Zhongrui.
"Mooncakes are essential for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The ground crew thoughtfully prepared mooncakes for us. We naturally share all good things," said Chen Dong.
"It's delicious with the red bean paste filling," said Wang.
"Yes, It's delicious," said Chen Zhongrui.
After sharing their meal, the astronauts sent sincere cosmic-level Mid-Autumn Festival regards via camera.
"Now the space station has entered the airspace over our motherland. This is the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Although we are in our space home 400 kilometers from the Earth, we always think of our homeland. We always like to gaze through the window from one home to another. Although the Earth is always within our sight, with this concern and longing, the motherland in our eyes and minds becomes three-dimensional rather than flat, becomes vivid rather than silent. My motherland, I am proud of you. Beijing is within our camera's view," said Chen Dong.
"With the full moon in mid-autumn night, may all families be reunited," said by three astronauts together.
"Although we are in the vast space, unable to get reunited with our families, our hearts are always closely linked with our motherland and people, and with our families," said Chen Dong.
"From China's space station, we wish everyone a happy festival. May all your families enjoy your reunions, everyone keep fit, and live in harmony," said the astronauts together.
Shenzhou-20 crew sends Mid-Autumn Festival wishes from space
Shenzhou-20 crew sends Mid-Autumn Festival wishes from space
