Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting Tiangong space station have been performing a variety of tasks, including scientific experiments as well as regular maintenance and training, as showed in videos released by the China Manned Space Agency on Sunday.

The crew conducted research on the impact of long-duration manned space missions on astronauts' operational performance in the space station. The projects selected for this research were based on the characteristics of long-duration in-orbit space station missions, alongside other tasks such as in-orbit training and experiments.

After completing each project, the astronauts filled out reports detailing the operation time and scales to record their fatigue levels and mental workload. Subsequently, researchers on the ground collected and analyzed the astronauts' in-orbit operational performance data to preliminarily grasp the characteristics and patterns of changes in astronauts' operational skills during space missions.

In the space station, which functions as a national space laboratory, experiments in areas such as space materials science, fluid dynamics in microgravity, and combustion science are keeping carried out. The crew has replaced relevant experiment samples as part of these experiments.

Meanwhile, in close coordination with researchers on the ground, the three astronauts successfully completed the return of external payload using the automatic payload ingress and egress function.

Besides, the crew conducted personal noise exposure measurements and acoustic testing to assess and improve the acoustic environment within the space station.

Various tasks related to equipment inspection and maintenance, including the transfer of a pre-cooling device for biological experiment samples, have been carried out in the space station as well.

The pre-cooling device, resembling a small refrigeration unit, ensures that the samples remain "fresh" throughout the return journey to Earth.

The astronauts also regularly conducted system-wide pressure emergency drills to strengthen and further enhance their emergency response capabilities and their ability to coordinate between space and ground.

One of the drills simulated the process of three astronauts responding to an internal depressurization scenario in the space station.

Last week, the crew conducted in-orbit medical aid training. This included further familiarizing themselves with equipment locations, reviewing usage methods, and reinforcing operational procedures and skills, helping them become accustomed to rescue operations in a microgravity environment.

In terms of health maintenance, the three astronauts conducted activities such as eye pressure and fundus examinations, as well as neuromuscular stimulation, to monitor and maintain their physical condition.

Furthermore, the crew regularly carried out tasks such as cleaning, supplies arranging, and garbage transfer and storage to maintain a clean environment in the space station.

On April 25, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying three astronauts - Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu - to the space station for a six-month mission.

Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

Shenzhou-18 crew continues experiments, maintenance, training in space

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held lantern fairs to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, while a spectacular drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor.

The festival is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Sept 17 this year. It is a traditionally cherished occasion for family reunions, when family members share mooncakes and light lanterns.

A bright and gorgeous lantern fair combining elements of traditional Chinese culture and the unique style of Hong Kong was held on Tuesday night in Hong Kong's Victoria Park, where local residents and tourists can not only learn about the process of making a handcrafted lantern, but also participate in diversified activities like guessing lantern riddles.

During the festival, traditional folk activities including lantern fairs were held across Hong Kong, creating strong festive atmosphere and attracting flocks of residents and tourists.

"We have come to Victoria Park today to feel the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. [The lanterns] are quite beautiful and gorgeous," said Liu, a local resident.

At around 20:00 on Tuesday, a splendid drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor, with more than 1,000 drones forming patterns of rabbits, lanterns and mooncakes, conveying festive blessings to people in Hong Kong.

"This year's lanterns are more beautiful than ever before. Meanwhile, the drone shows are getting more and more exciting each time, as we can see that the patterns and technologies are constantly improving. At the same time, the National Day is approaching. I would like to wish our country a happy birthday, and I wish the motherland prosperity and the people a better life," said Ko Chung Kit, another local resident.

Hong Kong holds lantern fairs, drone show to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival