In Space - Jan 20-21, 2025 (China Manned Space Agency - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Shenzhou-19 astronauts executing second series of extravehicular activities (EVAs), in airlock; Tiangong space station orbiting Earth
In Space - Released on Jan 30, 2025 (China Manned Space Agency - No access Chinese mainland)
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Cai Xuzhe, Shenzhou-19 astronaut/mission commander:
"After two years, I returned to the Chinese space station. It felt like returning to a familiar home, comforting and deeply heartwarming. In the past three months, we have executed the in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-18 astronauts, and carried out the scheduled maintenance, daily operations, and health management protocols of the space station platform as planned. In addition, we have completed two EVAs, and carried out multiple drills such as full-system stress emergency response simulations and medical rescue operations training. These exercises have significantly sharpened our ability to handle contingencies, enabling safer and more efficient mission execution."
3. Various of astronauts carrying out tasks in Tianhe core module
4. Various of astronauts checking extravehicular spacesuit
5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Cai Xuzhe, Shenzhou-19 astronaut/mission commander (partially overlaid with shot 6):
"During the in-orbit period, with the support of ground personnel, we completed medical cytology experiments represented by advanced research on human brain organoids, and launched a new round of material extravehicular exposure experiments. Our crew also routinely replaced related components to ensure the seamless progress of the experiments."
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6. Various of astronauts carrying out tasks in Tianhe core module
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7. Various of astronauts carrying out tasks
8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Cai Xuzhe, Shenzhou-19 astronaut/mission commander (partially overlaid with shot 9):
"At present, the various space science experiments undertaken by our crew are progressing steadily. According to the plan, we will focus on space science research and technology experiments in the fields of space life sciences, basic physics of microgravity, space material science, aerospace medicine, and next-generation aerospace technologies. Both crew and ground teams will ensure close coordination and meticulous mission execution to guarantee the complete success of our endeavors."
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9. Various of astronauts working, discussing
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10. Various of space station orbiting, robotic arm moving

Chinese astronaut and commander of the Shenzhou-19 space mission Cai Xuzhe shared his experience of returning to the Chinese space station while delivering a mid-mission progress review.

China launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship on Oct 30 last year, sending three astronauts, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, to the orbiting space station for a six-month mission.

Cai first joined the journey into space as a crew member of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. He was honored with the title "Heroic Astronaut" for his service and accomplishments during that mission.

As the crew complete the first half of their space mission on Thursday, Cai said it has been heartwarming to return to the space home.

"After two years, I returned to the Chinese space station. It felt like returning to a familiar home, comforting and deeply heartwarming. In the past three months, we have executed the in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-18 astronauts, and carried out the scheduled maintenance, daily operations, and health management protocols of the space station platform as planned. In addition, we have completed two EVAs, and carried out multiple drills such as full-system stress emergency response simulations and medical rescue operations training. These exercises have significantly sharpened our ability to handle contingencies, enabling safer and more efficient mission execution," Cai said.

"During the in-orbit period, with the support of ground personnel, we completed medical cytology experiments represented by advanced research on human brain organoids, and launched a new round of material extravehicular exposure experiments. Our crew also routinely replaced related components to ensure the seamless progress of the experiments," Cai said.

"At present, the various space science experiments undertaken by our crew are progressing steadily. According to the plan, we will focus on space science research and technology experiments in the fields of space life sciences, basic physics of microgravity, space material science, aerospace medicine, and next-generation aerospace technologies. Both crew and ground teams will ensure close coordination and meticulous mission execution to guarantee the complete success of our endeavors," Cai said.