Chinese astronauts to experience lively, personalized life on upcoming space mission

China's Shenzhou-19 astronauts will enjoy a lively and personalized life on the imminent six-month space mission by carrying along with them the cute companions, mascots, smart devices and hospitality of dietary space garden.

The Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 4:27 Wednesday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze will carry out the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceflight mission, and Cai, who participated in the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022, will be the commander.

The three astronauts will take over command of China's Tiangong space station from the Shenzhou-18 crew currently in orbit during the mission.

For Cai, a self-styled "veteran space gardener", who gained extensive experience with space gardening during the Shenzhou-14 mission, one of the most exciting aspects of this mission is caring for the station's "space garden".

"Last time, I brought lettuce and tomatoes, which grew better than I expected, especially the lettuce. I attended to them daily, and my hard work paid off as I saw them thrive," said Cai.

These plants serve not only as experimental subjects but also infuse the astronauts' space home with lively vitality, allowing them to feel a connection to Earth even while in orbit. Today, the Chinese space station boasts its own dedicated "space garden".

"When setting up the space garden, I also offered some ideas and suggestions for improvement, which were useful and effective. I feel that this garden has grown much better, and I expect it to make surprise and companionship for us," said the commander.

Alongside the garden, the crew is bringing several smart tools, designed to assist with daily tasks and add a sense of fun to the mission.

"We have some other cute companions with us aboard, including smart devices like Xiao Hang, a drone-like device with camera and support functions. We also have Xiao Tian, a voice-interactive supply management system. With them, our station resembles a smart home, and their existence make our stay in space more enjoyable," said Wang Haoze.

Long missions in space often evoke a sense of homesickness, the three astronaut have brought their personal items to keep them as emotional sustenance. Song Lingdong shared that he would take a painting of peonies created by his family member.

"Peony flowers carry auspicious meanings, symbolizing luck and contentment. I'll hang it in my sleeping area for encouragement throughout the mission. When the peonies bloom next year, it will be our time to return home," said Song, referring to the period when peonies are in full bloom from mid-April to mid-May.

Shenzhou-19 is the 33rd flight mission of China's manned space program, and the 4th manned mission during the application and development stage of China's space station.

Chinese astronauts to experience lively, personalized life on upcoming space mission

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition