Shenzhou-21 Crew Begin Last Weeks Onboard Tiangong Before Return
Tiangong TV: April 12th 2026.
Having had a possible chance to get a brief glimpse of NASA’s Artemis II mission returning to Earth ahead of their own within the next four weeks, Shenzhou-21 taikonauts Zhang Lu (张陆)1, Wu Fei (武飞)2, and Zhang Hongzhang (张洪章)3 are wrapping up a handful of experiments relating to human health in orbit. Meanwhile, as shown in a new episode of ‘Tiangong TV’, the crew is continuing to work aboard the Tiangong Space Station ahead of the Shenzhou-23 mission’s arrival and handover at the end of the month4.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
The Shenzhou-21 crew is busy carrying out their daily tasks and methodically advancing various space science experiments, the three taikonauts are also carefully taking care of the space station and continuously safeguarding their own health.
In the field of space medicine, the crew used a space-based Raman spectrometer to analyze metabolic components in urine samples. The data collected will be used to further refine and improve the system of characteristic metabolite indicators and evaluation criteria. The three taikonauts also collected and froze saliva samples, which will be analyzed upon return to Earth to assist researchers in conducting studies on digestive and intestinal function.
Last week, in accordance with the planned experiments on metabolic interaction regulation, space omics, and space sleep and sleep, the crew completed the collection of blood samples, processed them using a centrifuge, and properly stored them for return. In addition, the three taikonauts used laptops and related experimental software to complete tests on several projects, including cognitive monitoring research, emergency decision-making capability assessment, and on-orbit emotional state tests.
Regarding the field of microgravity physics, experimental projects are proceeding as planned. The crew replaced samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet, replaced the burner and gas cylinders in the combustion science experiment cabinet, and completed tasks such as cleaning samples in the containerless experiment chamber, maintaining the motors of the mechanism, and cleaning the porthole cover lenses.
As part of their routine maintenance of the space station complex, the Shenzhou-21 crew completed scheduled inspections and maintenance of in-cabin facilities and equipment, including cryogenic storage units, application fluid loop pumps, and life support system equipment. They also organized supplies and cleaned the cabin, continuing to ensure a habitable environment in their space home.
Additionally, the three taikonauts continue to manage their health, using equipment such as space treadmills and resistance bands to exercise in orbit and actively counteract the physiological effects of microgravity.
After more than 160 days in orbit, the Shenzhou-21 crew is in good health, working seamlessly together and displaying great enthusiasm for their work.
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode April 12th 2026 originally from the China Manned Space Agency, cloned to YouTube for archival.
Zhang Lu is the Commander and Pilot of the mission for his second spaceflight, having flown for the Shenzhou-15 mission between November 2022 and June 2023. He is from Hanshou County (汉寿县), Hunan (湖南) province, and was selected as part of China’s second taikonaut group in 2010, also being considered a ‘post-70s’ taikonaut having been born in November 1976.
Before becoming a taikonaut, Zhang served in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and achieved the rank of Senior Colonel. He also joined the Communist Party of China in April 1999. After the Shenzhou-15 mission, Zhang was awarded the Spaceflight Merit Medal (Third Class) along with the honorary title of hero taikonaut.
Wu Fei is the Flight Engineer for this mission, which will be his first trip into space. He is from Baotou (包头市 / ᠪᠤᠭᠤᠲᠤᠬᠣᠲᠠ), in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (内蒙古自治区 / ᠥᠪᠥᠷ ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠤᠨ ᠤᠨᠥᠪᠡᠷᠲᠡᠭᠨ ᠵᠠᠰᠠᠬᠤ ᠣᠷᠣᠨ), and was selected as part of the third taikonaut group in October 2020, while being considered a ‘post-90s’ taikonaut having been born in 1993.
Before his selection as a taikonaut, Wu was an engineer at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. He also joined the Communist Party of China in 2015.
Zhang Hongzhang is the Payload Expert for this mission, with it being his first trip to space. He is from Binzhou (滨州市), Shandong (山东) province, and was also selected as part of the third taikonaut group in October 2020, while being considered a ‘post-80s’ taikonaut having been born in 1986.
Prior to being selected as a taikonaut, Zhang was a researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院大连化学物理研究所), where he explored new materials and technology for batteries. He also joined the Communist Party of China in 2004.
The Shenzhou-21 crew has the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, which launched without crew, following a space debris strike to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, with the Shenzhou-20 crew taking the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft home.