The three astronauts from the Shenzhou-18 space mission, Yang Liwei, Liu Wang, and Zhang Xiaoguang, appeared before the press on January 8, 2025, in their first public engagement since returning to Earth two months earlier.

The press event, organized by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), marks a significant milestone not only for the astronauts but also for China's ambitious forays into space exploration.

During the event, held at the Astronaut Center of China in Beijing, the crew shared insights from their groundbreaking mission, which was primarily focused on research and technological testing aboard China's Tiangong space station.

The Shenzhou-18 mission, which launched on August 12, 2024, and concluded a successful return on November 11, 2024, facilitated a series of scientific experiments that are critical for future long-duration missions.

Yang Liwei, the mission commander, spoke about the advancements in China's space technologies that made the mission a success.

He underscored the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and expressed his gratitude towards the continuous support from the global scientific community.

Liu Wang, who participated in numerous spacewalks during the mission, emphasized the rigorous training and preparation of the crew, which ensured the successful completion of several key experiments relating to microgravity research and materials science.

Zhang Xiaoguang highlighted the psychological and physiological challenges faced by astronauts during extended missions in space, citing the importance of mental health training and support provided by CMSA.

This mission's successes have been viewed as vital stepping stones for China’s expanding space ambitions, which include plans for lunar exploration and potentially sending astronauts to Mars in the coming decades.

China's space endeavors have seen significant progress over the past few decades, firmly positioning the nation as a major player in the global aerospace sector.

The Shenzhou-18 mission reflects China's commitment to advancing space science and technology, furthering its capabilities and contributions to international space exploration efforts.

The meeting with the press concluded with the astronauts expressing their aspirations for future missions and their dedication to exploring the vast frontiers of space, an effort that speaks to the diligence and vision of the Chinese space program.

As China continues to expand its presence in space, the successful Shenzhou-18 mission stands as a testament to the country's achievements and its future potential.