The Shenzhou-21 crew, comprising Commander Zhang Lu, Flight Engineer Wu Fei and Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang, shared their New Year wishes in a video released Monday by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Despite being unable to return home for the Spring Festival, they expressed optimism and the spirit of renewal associated with this major holiday. “I wish everyone all the best and peace,” Zhang said, reflecting on his second Spring Festival in orbit.

For Wu Fei, this year’s festival marks his first experience celebrating in space, an occasion he described as both proud and memorable. “The Year of the Horse calls for the vigor of a galloping steed. Let us keep striving for our dreams and working for happiness,” he said in the message. Zhang Hongzhang, a scientist-turned-taikonaut known for his interest in poetry, cited the station’s ongoing research efforts and reiterated his hope for scientific progress in the year ahead.

Throughout the station’s living quarters, the crew has decorated with red lanterns, Chinese knots and traditional paper-cut crafts, echoing customs celebrated on Earth during the holiday. They also enjoyed dumplings and other festive delicacies, symbols of prosperity and good fortune, and marked the occasion with a freshly baked cake prepared in the space station’s oven — a first for the Shenzhou-21 mission.

Since arriving at Tiangong on Oct. 31, 2025, the Shenzhou-21 team has completed more than 100 days of work, including scientific experiments, station upkeep and health monitoring. Officials say all operations are proceeding smoothly, and the crew continues to uphold both their research commitments and cultural traditions while in orbit.