Chinese astronauts aboard China’s space station have sent heartfelt Children’s Day greetings to young people around the world. The Shenzhou-20 crew, currently orbiting Earth, shared inspirational messages and stories of how their childhood dreams led them to the stars.
To mark International Children’s Day on June 1 and the opening of the ninth national congress of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) in Beijing, the astronauts unfurled a CYP flag they brought to space. The CYP is a national organization for children in China, symbolizing hope and the pursuit of dreams.
Commander Chen Dong, a veteran astronaut on his third space mission, reflected on the moment he first wore the CYP red scarf. “I remember deciding to become someone useful to society when I first wore it,” Chen said, encouraging children to pursue their aspirations.
Rookie astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, both on their maiden voyages, shared how their youthful curiosity about the universe propelled them into careers in space exploration. Chen Zhongrui recalled watching Shenzhou spacecraft launches on television as a child. “Watching those launches ignited a passion in me that led me here,” he shared.
Wang Jie mentioned the CYP anthem, a song that filled him with strength during his childhood. “It guides generations of Chinese Young Pioneers to inherit the glorious traditions of our forebears,” Wang said, expressing hope that today’s children will continue the mission of exploring space.
Since their launch on April 24 for a six-month mission, the Shenzhou-20 crew has successfully completed an in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou-19 crew and conducted planned scientific experiments. On May 22, they performed their first extravehicular activity, setting a record for the shortest interval between entering orbit and conducting a spacewalk after the completion of the space station.
The astronauts’ messages aim to inspire young people to pursue their dreams and contribute to society, no matter how big or small. Their journey from curious children to space explorers serves as a testament to where determination and passion can lead.
