Shenzhou-23 astronauts send Mid-Autumn greetings

The Shenzhou-23 astronauts aboard the Chinese Tiangong space station transmitted Mid-Autumn Festival wishes from 400 kilometers above Earth on Friday. This marks the fourth such celebration since the station's completion. The SAR's inaugural astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, expressed her well wishes for overall health and fulfilling lives.

She spoke of being deeply touched by the letters and blessings received from students they had virtually met during a recent session. Lai also admitted missing her family, stating that Mid-Autumn Festival, while brightened by the moon's glow, intensifies her longing for loved ones. She reflected on the contrast between the lunar beauty and the multitude of home lights seen from space, highlighting her fondness for her family and friends in Hong Kong.

Shenzhou-23 commander Zhu Yangzhu, participating in his second Mid-Autumn Festival in orbit, emphasized that despite the distance, their hearts remain aligned with their homeland and fellow countrymen. Zhang Zhiyuan, embarking on his first spaceflight, conveyed his love for his family, noting that if one spots a shining star in the night sky, it represents their Tiangong space station and him.

The trio were launched on May 24 and arrived at Tiangong on May 25, having since spent four months working in orbit.