Shenzhou-21 Mission Astronauts Preflight | China Space Station

Shenzhou-21 Mission Astronauts Preflight | China Space Station

Left to right: Shenzhou-21 Mission Payload Specialist Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章), Shenzhou-21 Mission Commander & Pilot Zhang Lu (张陆), Shenzhou-21 Mission Flight Engineer Wu Fei (武飞) 

Shenzhou-21 Mission Commander & Pilot Zhang Lu (张陆)

    Shenzhou-21 Mission Flight Engineer Wu Fei (武飞)

Shenzhou-21 Mission Payload Specialist Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章)

Wu Fei, Zhang Lu, and Zhang Hongzhang in launch practice drills at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) 

Left to right: Shenzhou-21 Mission Payload Specialist Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章), Shenzhou-21 Mission Commander & Pilot Zhang Lu (张陆), Shenzhou-21 Mission Flight Engineer Wu Fei (武飞) 

Shenzhou-21 crew training at a China Space Station simulator on the ground

Shenzhou-21 Mission Emblem

Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, the three Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-21 spaceflight mission, met the press on October 30, 2025. The Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft is scheduled to be launched at 11:44 p.m. Friday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) in northwest China, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference earlier on the day.

Zhang Lu, a crew member of the Shenzhou-15 mission, said "after two years, being able to once again represent my country and carry out the Shenzhou-21 mission fills me with excitement and anticipation. Since the conclusion of the Shenzhou-15 mission, I've returned to intensive training with the mindset of a student. In response to the new features of the space station missions, I've devoted myself to studying and research."

Zhang Lu also reflected on his responsibility and shared how interacting with curious, space-loving children has deepened his conviction in passing the torch of China's space dreams to the next generation.

"Over the years, I've visited schools to share my spaceflight experiences with children who are passionate about space and science, passing on the spirit of exploration with eyes full of stars and oceans, hearts filled with unwavering loyalty to the motherland. The curiosity and longing for the universe in their eyes constantly remind me of the profound meaning behind passing the torch of China's space endeavor from one generation to the next," said Zhang.

He also described his deep emotional connection to China's space station and his readiness to rejoin the mission.

"I've closely followed the status of the space station, every extravehicular activity, every scientific experiment. Right now, what I'm most looking forward to is hearing those familiar call signs again: Shuguang (Dawn), Beijing, Tiangong, Yinhe (Galaxy), Tianzhou. It's been a long time. How have you all been? This is Shenzhou-21. We're on our way," said Zhang.

Shenzhou-21 (神舟二十一) Crew
Commander & Pilot Zhang Lu (张陆)
Flight Engineer Wu Fei (武飞) 
Payload Specialist Zhang Hong Zhang (张洪章)

Image Credit: CMSA
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2025

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