Shenzhou-21 Crew Tidy Up Tiangong Following Recent Second Spacewalk
Tiangong TV: March 29th 2026.
Having completed their second space walk last week, the Shenzhou-21 crew of Zhang Lu (张陆)1, Wu Fei (武飞)2, and Zhang Hongzhang (张洪章)3 were busy inside the Tiangong Space Station this week, maintaining and tidying their spacesuits, the three station modules, and experiments onboard. Those activities were detailed in a new episode of ‘Tiangong TV’ from the China Manned Space Agency, following last week’s views of Earth.
Attached below is a translated transcript of the newest episode:
On March 16, the Shenzhou-21 taikonaut crew kicked off a new week of work by successfully completing their second extravehicular activity. In addition to routine post-extravehicular activity tasks such as maintaining the spacesuits and storing them on the orbital platform, let’s take a look at the experiments and other tasks the three taikonauts carried out.
Last week, the crew collected samples required for the vestibular dynamics project, the data obtained and compiled will be used to investigate the effects of long-duration spaceflight. Research in the field of microgravity physical science experiments continued, and in accordance with the experiment schedule, the crew replaced the sampling lids in the experiment modules of the combustion science experiment cabinet, cleaned samples from the experiment chamber of the thermocontainer cabinet, performed maintenance on the motors of the gimbal mechanism and cleaned the window covers, and replaced samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet.
During the week, the system-wide pressure emergency drill was carried out as planned. The drill simulated the entire process of emergency response when the space station faces internal depressurization, consolidating and further improving the emergency response capabilities of the Shenzhou-21 crew as well as their coordination with ground control.
The three taikonauts used relevant instruments and equipment to complete cabin air cleanliness tests, total concentration of volatile organic compounds tests, and ecological environment monitoring. They also inspected and maintained the water dispenser and regenerative life support system. Additionally, they regularly organized cabin supplies, moved and stored waste, and kept the station environment clean.
Regular medical checkups and moderate physical exercise help taikonauts maintain good health while in orbit. Last week, the three taikonauts underwent a series of medical examinations, including abdominal, cardiac, and muscle ultrasounds, bone density measurements, maximum isometric strength tests, body composition analysis, and hearing tests. In addition, they engaged in active exercise using equipment such as a space treadmill and a grip strength trainer.
The Shenzhou-21 crew is about to mark one hundred and fifty days in orbit. What tasks will the three taikonauts undertake next, and what new experiences will they unlock? See you next week!
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
Tiangong TV Episode March 29th 2026 originally from the China Manned Space Agency, cloned to YouTube for archival.
![Shenzhou-21 Taikonauts Perform Second Spacewalk, Harvest Space Tomatoes [SZ-21 EVA-2]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gIta!,w_140,h_140,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb6695dc6-aa5c-404b-ac36-2b890133d977_5309x2311.jpeg)
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.