Shenzhou XXI astronauts meet press after returning from space

Wu Fei, who previously contributed to the development of the Tianhe core module and the Wentian lab module, said operating equipment in orbit that he had once tested on the ground gave him a sense of familiarity. "All the experience accumulated from my ground work translated into the confidence and composure I needed for precise operations and sound judgments in space," Wu said.

Payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang shared several scientific breakthroughs achieved during the mission, including China's first successful aeroponic cultivation of cherry tomatoes and wheat in orbit, the first closed-loop breeding of mice in space, and the validation of key technologies for efficient spectral and water-fertilizer utilization.

Beyond their demanding research schedule, the crew cultivated more than ten types of crops, including wheat, sunflowers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and mint, which not only helped refine in-orbit planting techniques but also brought joy to their intensive space life.