Astronaut answers netizen's questions in first diary

By JING HAIPENG aboard Tiangong II | China Daily | Updated: 2016-10-21 07:38

Today is the first day that our flight crew moved into the space complex for the Shenzhou XI mission. It is 10:05 pm and we have not finished our work yet.

I am told people are concerned about our living conditions here in space. Tutuping'an, a netizen using the Xinhua mobile app, is curious about how we sleep and eat meals in the space lab.

Chen Dong and I have been working all day and we really want to go to bed now. As we were so busy in the morning, docking Shenzhou XI and Tiangong II, and then entering the Tiangong II complex, we had no time for dinner. We only ate one meal for breakfast and lunch.

Our food mainly consists of ready-to-eat foods, or snacks, but we did bring a few staples. Earlier, we heated some rice and noodles, but forgot all about them, so we will make up for the missed meal later.

This is my third time in space. This is also my second time entering Tiangong. Tiangong I was not bad, but Tiangong II is much more comfortable. The layout and decor are perfect.

I remember I told the media that half of the credit we get should be given to our family members. Chen Dong and I talked about it today and agreed on that.

Chen Dong and I miss everybody so much. I want to tell you, dear comrades from the astronaut brigade, that in the past 18 years, we have taken meals at the same table, attended class in the same room and played basketball on the same court.

In that time, we have worked together, lived together, received training together and chased dreams together. You are as dear to us as family members. I know you are standing guard, cheering us on, and on duty for us. We salute you all!

Jing Haipeng files the diary as a special correspondent for Xinhua News Agency on Oct 19.