Southern Metropolis Daily:

The six-month mission of the Shenzhou-13 crew has refreshed the record of flight duration of Chinese astronauts on a single task. What tests did the Shenzhou-13 crew survive during the mission? Are our targeted support systems in place? How about the physical condition of the three astronauts after their return? Thank you. 

Hao Chun:

Let's invite Ms. Huang to answer your questions. 

Huang Weifen:

Thanks for your questions. The Shenzhou-13 crew lived and worked in the space station for 183 days, completed various tasks, and set many records. For example, they carried out two extravehicular activities, gave two science lectures, conducted manual rendezvous and docking tests, and performed other more than 40 in-orbit experiments and tests in the fields of aerospace medicine, aerospace psychology, space ergonomics, and space material science as well as over 80 items of in-orbit data collection and analysis. In addition, the Shenzhou-13 crew also conducted a large number of inspection tests of the station assembly platform, equipment maintenance and care and management of materials and the space station, conducted health monitoring, in-orbit protection exercises, training, and drills, recorded a large number of science education videos, took a lot of photos and recorded a large number of videos, and obtained valuable and rich materials.

Generally speaking, the three astronauts maintained good physical and mental conditions during the mission. They cooperated very well, worked in a tight and orderly manner, lived a rich and colorful life, and successfully completed various tasks. They have stood the test of body and mind and the ability to accomplish tasks. They have returned to the Space City in Beijing and are carrying out recovery work as planned, and they are in good physical and mental condition.

The Shenzhou-13 crew spent six months in orbit for the first time, a new challenge for the China manned spacecraft program's astronaut system. According to the characteristics of the mission, on the one hand, the astronauts carried out targeted intensive training before their flight, including physical fitness training, psychological adjustment training, and intensive training involved in emergency handling ability and extravehicular activity. Personalized health protection measures were also improved. On the other hand, supporting measures for astronauts' stay in the space station were enhanced based on the Shenzhou-12 mission. 

In terms of health protection, personalized in-orbit health protection measures have been improved, increasing the supply of relevant medicine and diagnostic and treatment equipment. Weightlessness protection exercise measures have been improved, increasing convenience and enjoyment. Personalized exercise regimens have been made to strengthen dynamic assessment and adjustment, enhance endurance and cardiovascular reserves, improve cardiopulmonary functions, strengthen exercises of core muscles such as back, neck, and lower limb strength, and promote the continuous improvement of gravity readjustment ability. The supply of fresh fruit and vegetables has been increased, and personalized electrolyte drinks have been provided to improve nutritional support. Methods of in-orbit psychological support were also diversified. 

In terms of ensuring lives, in response to the more extended stay in the space station, the supply of food and water was increased, outfits were diversified, and the allocation of articles of daily use and hygiene supplies was optimized. In addition, according to the individual characteristics and needs, more in-orbit entertainment items were added. 

In terms of work support, we have further standardized the astronaut in-orbit work system, work-rest schedule and duty system, and revised the astronaut flight manual, strengthening measures such as dynamic adjustment and update of flight plans and timely assessment. We have also optimized the EVA procedures, support mode and collaborative procedures to improve efficiency.

Generally speaking, the success of the Shenzhou-13 manned mission further confirms that China's astronaut selection and training techniques are scientific and effective, and that China is fully capable of providing support for astronauts' long-term in-orbit stays, which provides a foundation for follow-up missions and accumulates more abundant and valuable experience. Thank you.