Chinese astronauts Jing and Chen during their send-off in October. (Photo : Twitter)
The two astronauts sent to China's new space station for a month have returned and happily recounted their experience.
Astronauts Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 37, met with reporters on Wednesday after a three-week quarantine period following their return from the Tiangong-2 space station on Nov. 18. The two enthusiastically related their experience during the 30-day mission.
Jing, who served as the commander of the Shenzhou-11 mission, said that the experience was very memorable and they wished that it was longer.
He added that they were able to squeeze in some leisure time, despite the mission's tight scheduling, watching TV programs and listening to music during their break periods.
The spaceflight veteran, who know holds the record for the longest time in space spent by a Chinese astronaut, also said that they tried some amusing activities in zero-gravity, such as tossing food towards each other and watching these float.
For his part, Chen said that the mission was something that he would not forget. He related how he had to get used to zero gravity, with him needed to wear restraints early in the mission but eventually began enjoying the environment.
"I learned new moves such as somersaulting and whirling in space," Chen candidly said. This was his first mission to space, the Global Times reported.
Astronaut Center of China deputy research head Huang Weifen said that both Jing and Chen are in good condition and have already completed the quarantine period.
The two astronauts month-long mission is part of China's goal to build a permanently manned space station. The Tiangong-2 module is designed to have various components in preparation for the core module of the planned station, set to be launched in 2018. Additional modules are also planned to be developed and sent up to complete the station within the next decade.
