China Sends Youngest Astronaut and Lab Mice to Tiangong Space Station

China has sent its youngest astronaut to space along with two crew members and four research mice. The mission is another big moment for China’s fast-growing space program.

The Shenzhou-21 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. It reached the Tiangong space station around three and a half hours later. The rocket used for the mission was the Long March-2F.

Who is Wu Fei — China’s youngest astronaut?

The crew includes commander Zhang Lu, flight engineer Wu Fei, and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang.
Wu Fei is only 32 years old. He is now the youngest Chinese astronaut to go into space.

Before the launch, Wu Fei said he felt very lucky and proud to fly on this mission.
Zhang Lu also shared his confidence, saying the team will complete the mission successfully and make the country proud.

The astronauts said goodbye to their families at the launch site in the Gobi Desert. Patriotic music played during the moment, showing China’s rising national pride in space exploration.

First mouse experiment in Chinese space history

This mission also carries four mice — two males and two females.
It is China’s first experiment with rodents in orbit. Scientists will study how space and zero-gravity affect living bodies. This research may help future missions to the Moon and beyond.

China’s long-term space vision

The Tiangong space station hosts a new crew every six months. China plans major future projects under President Xi Jinping’s “space dream.”
The country aims to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030 and build a lunar base later.

China has already completed major space achievements. It landed the Chang’e-4 craft on the far side of the Moon in 2019. It also sent a rover to Mars in 2021.

During this mission, astronauts will test systems for future Moon missions. They will also conduct spacewalks and add anti-debris shields to protect Tiangong.
The crew will interact with students and young space fans as well. Even though China is not part of the International Space Station, it continues to form partnerships. This year, China signed a deal with Pakistan to bring foreign astronauts to Tiangong in the future.