The flight sets the stage for demonstrating the aircraft’s quiet supersonic capabilities later this year, NASA said in a release published on its official website.
NASA test pilot Jim “Clue” Less took off and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, reaching a top speed of approximately Mach 1.1 (over 1,300 kph) and an altitude of 43,400 feet (about 13.2 kilometers). The flight began at 11:08 a.m. Pacific Time and lasted 81 minutes, according to the release.
“X-59 is getting ready for its quiet supersonic debut. Since the aircraft’s first flight on Oct. 28, 2025, the team has made tremendous progress, flying 16 times in the last 90 days and getting into a steady test rhythm. In the coming days, we expect to take the next step and push to Mach 1.4,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said.
Over the last several months, the X-59 has been undergoing a series of flight tests at a wide range of speeds and altitudes, which represents the first phase of the aircraft’s flight-test program that focuses on performance evaluation and involves chase plane monitoring, said the release.
The next phase of testing will focus on the X-59’s sound profile to verify its quiet thump capability, it said.
The X-59 aircraft is designed to fly at supersonic speeds while creating only a quiet thump instead of a loud sonic boom. It is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which aims to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight and help enable commercial supersonic flight over land worldwide, said the release.
NASA’s experimental X-59 aircraft completed its first supersonic flight on Friday.
To address these challenges, the Rwanda Internet Community and Technology Alliance (RICTA), in partnership with the Internet Society (ISOC) Rwanda Chapter, NetFella, and the Internet Society Foundation, has launched an Online Trust and Safety Training programme aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to navigate the digital space safely.
The first cohort of the programme graduated on Thursday, June 4, at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), having received practical training on online safety, data protection, cybersecurity, responsible use of social media, and identifying online scams.
The four-day training forms part of a broader initiative targeting 500 beneficiaries, including women entrepreneurs and refugees in Mahama Refugee Camp, as Rwanda continues its journey towards a digital economy.
Speaking during the event, Geoffrey Karegeya, Business Development and Partnership Manager at RICTA, said the programme responds to the growing need for online safety among business owners who increasingly rely on digital platforms for commerce.
“We have trained more than 500 women through our digital marketing programme since 2022. We realised that as more women move their businesses online, they also become more exposed to cyber risks. This training equips them with the skills to identify scammers, protect themselves, and conduct online transactions safely,” he said.
RICTA is the official registry responsible for managing and administering the .rw country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). Formed in 2005, RICTA operates as a not-for-profit organisation representing the Rwandan internet community, with a mandate granted by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Karegeya noted that many participants had previously experienced online fraud or encountered suspicious transactions, highlighting the importance of strengthening digital trust and safety skills among internet users.
The initiative builds on efforts that began in 2020 under the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, initially targeting young people before expanding to women entrepreneurs. RICTA joined the effort in 2022 through its digital marketing programme for women in business.
According to Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, the training comes at a critical time as more people gain internet access and increasingly depend on digital services.
“With the rise of artificial intelligence, social media use, and online commerce, new risks continue to emerge. We are seeing cases of financial fraud, identity theft, misinformation, disinformation, and data breaches. Women entrepreneurs are among the groups most exposed because of the multiple responsibilities they balance while running businesses,” he said.
Participants were trained on how to verify the authenticity of websites, protect personal and financial information, identify phishing attempts, and understand Rwanda’s legal framework on data protection and online security.
Among the graduates was Delphine Nkusi, owner of Rwanda Blossom Ltd, an online trading business dealing in coffee, fresh vegetables, and other agricultural products.
Nkusi said the training provided practical knowledge that will help her safeguard both her business and personal information online.
“I learned about online safety, cyberbullying prevention, privacy and data protection, and how to identify scams and fraud. Before this training, I was not aware of some of the laws that protect internet users in Rwanda,” she said.
She also shared her experience of being targeted through a fraudulent bank transaction, an incident that reinforced the importance of cybersecurity awareness.
“Fortunately, the money was recovered, but the experience showed me how vulnerable we can be online. This training has given me skills that will help me avoid similar situations in the future,” she added.
The broader programme will now move to Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District from 8-11 June and Karongi District from 15-18 June, where additional participants will receive training through a community-based approach supported by trained facilitators.
Organisers expect to complete the training of all 500 beneficiaries by October, coinciding with Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Beyond improving digital literacy, the programme aims to foster a culture of responsible internet use, enabling participants to confidently leverage digital technologies while protecting themselves from online threats.
The first cohort received certificates on Thursday, June 4, at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) after concluding a four-day training programme on online safety, data protection, cybersecurity, responsible use of social media, and identifying online scams. The four-day training forms part of a broader initiative targeting 500 beneficiaries, including women entrepreneurs and refugees in Mahama Refugee Camp, as Rwanda continues its journey towards a digital economy.Participants were trained on how to verify the authenticity of websites, protect personal and financial information, identify phishing attempts, and understand Rwanda’s legal framework on data protection and online security.Organisers expect to complete the training of all 500 beneficiaries by October, coinciding with Cyber Security Awareness Month.Benie Umwari from RICTA explains the importance of maintaining an online presence and conducting business safely in the digital space. Jules Nizeyimana, the lead instructor, engages participants in hands-on exercises.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali on Thursday, June 5, 2026, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said Kigali is keen to transform existing diplomatic commitments on space cooperation into practical initiatives that support scientific advancement, skills development and economic growth.
“As a member of the Artemis Accord community, Rwanda remains keen to explore practical avenues of collaboration with NASA and looks forward to identifying mutually beneficial initiatives that can contribute to scientific advancement, capacity building, and economic development,” Nduhungirehe said.
The remarks come at a time of massive momentum for the global space program. Just two months ago, in April, NASA successfully completed its historic Artemis II mission, sending a crew of four astronauts around the Moon and back in humanity’s first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years.
With NASA now actively planning its upcoming Artemis III surface landing and laying the groundwork for a permanent lunar base, signed partners like Rwanda are looking to secure their footing in the emerging lunar economy.
For Rwanda, these developments align with efforts to position itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies and innovation. Space cooperation was highlighted alongside other strategic sectors where Rwanda and the United States are expanding engagement, including critical minerals, advanced technologies and civil nuclear energy.
Rwanda became the first African country, alongside Nigeria, to sign the Artemis Accords during the first-ever U.S.-Africa Space Forum held on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in late 2022.
The Accords establish principles for responsible and peaceful exploration of outer space. Signatories commit to measures including the public release of scientific data, responsible debris mitigation, registration of space objects and the adoption of interoperability standards.
As NASA transitions from test flights to building long-term infrastructure on the Moon, current bilateral discussions are focused on translating this framework into tangible cooperation, particularly in areas such as technical training, capacity building, and the development of local space-related technologies.
The planned collaboration reflects the broader evolution of Rwanda-U.S. relations. Last year, the two countries launched the first Rwanda-U.S. Strategic Bilateral Dialogue, creating a platform for cooperation across health, trade, security, education, technology and investment.
Nduhungirehe noted that both countries are increasingly looking toward sectors that will shape future economic growth and innovation. He also pointed to recent progress in civil nuclear energy cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa held in Kigali in May.
The United States’ Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Rwanda, John Armiger, said the partnership between the two nations continues to evolve and deepen, describing Rwanda as a valued partner as both countries work toward a “peaceful and prosperous future.”
For Rwanda, closer engagement with NASA would mark another step in its efforts to leverage science and technology as drivers of development, while strengthening ties with one of its key strategic partners.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, said Kigali is keen to transform existing diplomatic commitments on space cooperation into practical initiatives that support scientific advancement, skills development and economic growth.The anniversary celebration marked not only 250 years of American independence but also more than six decades of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the United States, with both sides expressing strong optimism about future cooperation and regional stability. The celebrations brought together diplomats, government officials, members of the international community, and guests from both Rwanda and the United States to mark 250 years of U.S. independence and the enduring partnership between the two countries.The United States’ Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Rwanda, John Armiger, said the partnership between the two nations continues to evolve and deepen, describing Rwanda as a valued partner as both countries work toward a “peaceful and prosperous future.”
The event, organised by the GSMA, had been scheduled to take place in Kigali from June 16 to 18, bringing together leaders from across the global mobile and digital technology ecosystem, including handset manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers and internet firms.
In a statement, the GSMA said it had decided to postpone the event but did not provide a reason for the move.
“We recognise the inconvenience this may cause to our participants and appreciate their understanding,” the organisation said.
“A new date will be announced in due course, and we look forward to convening the African continent’s most influential connectivity event again soon.”
The Mobile World Congress is widely regarded as the world’s largest and most influential event for the connectivity and mobile industry. In addition to Kigali, the congress is held annually in Barcelona, Shanghai and Las Vegas.
The postponement comes just weeks before thousands of delegates were expected to arrive in Rwanda for the three-day gathering, which has become a key platform for discussions on digital transformation, innovation and connectivity across Africa.
Last year’s edition, held at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 21 to 23 under the theme “Converge, Connect and Create,” attracted more than 4,000 delegates from 109 countries. The event featured discussions on emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, investment opportunities and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
The event, organised by the GSMA, had been scheduled to take place in Kigali from June 16 to 18, bringing together leaders from across the global mobile and digital technology ecosystem, including handset manufacturers, software companies, equipment providers and internet firms.
The certification makes Rwanda’s teleport located in Rwamagana the second fully certified teleport in Africa and the first space agency-operated teleport globally to receive WTA certification.
Announcing the achievement, the Rwanda Space Agency described it as “a milestone for Rwanda’s space sector and a recognition of the country’s growing capabilities in satellite communications infrastructure.”
A teleport is a ground-based facility that connects satellites in space with users and networks on Earth. It serves as a key part of satellite communications infrastructure, enabling satellites to transmit data and communications services back to Earth.
According to the Rwanda Space Agency, the certification is significant because the teleport supports a range of satellite-enabled services that contribute to national and regional development.
“Rwanda’s teleport contributes to strengthening satellite-enabled services, which are supporting broadband connectivity, climate monitoring, smart urbanisation, and disaster management across the region,” the agency said.
The agency added that the certification provides assurance that the facility meets internationally recognized standards.
“This certification provides confidence that the teleport’s services meet global benchmarks, and strengthens Rwanda’s role as a regional hub for space services.”
Rwanda’s national teleport has achieved Tier 3 Certification from the World Teleport Association (WTA), marking an important development for the country’s space sector and satellite communications infrastructure.
The explosion occurred at about 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday (0100 GMT on Friday) at Launch Complex 36, located at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The facility is currently the only operational launchpad capable of supporting Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.
In an interview with CNBC, Isaacman said a 2028 timeframe was “within the realm” of a possible recovery for the damaged launchpad.
“We’re all getting organized generally around the idea that we certainly want to see Blue Origin be very successful,” Isaacman said. “So recovering, getting the pad recovered, providing subject matter expertise, root cause analysis for sure. Let’s figure out what’s broken, and then we got to keep moving forward.”
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said on social media platform X that the company has regained limited access to Launch Complex 36 and is actively investigating the anomaly that occurred during the hot-fire test.
“We will start clearing the pad soon and have a good rebuild plan in place,” Limp said.
The explosion could delay future New Glenn missions and may affect the schedule of some NASA lunar exploration missions, as Blue Origin is a key commercial partner in the agency’s Artemis moon program.
Fire during an explosion of the uncrewed Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket during a test on a launchpad in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., May 28, 2026, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video.
Concluding on Sunday, the four-day expo brought together more than 700 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products and application scenarios in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Industry insiders at the venue said AI is accelerating its integration into education, public services, manufacturing and daily life, improving efficiency in traditional industries while creating new business models and growth opportunities.
At the booth of iFLYTEK Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese AI company specializing in intelligent speech and AI technologies, a smart blackboard named iFLYTEK AI Board drew widespread attention.
Combining a traditional chalkboard with an electronic display, the device digitizes handwritten equations the moment they are written, turning abstract mathematical concepts into vivid visual representations.
Similar AI-powered applications are already making their way into classrooms.
During a physical education class at Tianjin Second Xinhua High School, students squat, jump and land in response to instructions from an electronic announcer. Their jump distances are instantly broadcast by a voice system and uploaded in real time to the teacher’s device, enabling immediate analysis of physical performance and fitness indicators.
“AI is transforming education in unprecedented ways,” said Dong Bin, deputy general manager of the brand marketing center at iFLYTEK.
“It frees teachers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on educational research, while helping students spend less time on excessive drills and concentrate on meaningful self-improvement.”
According to the company, iFLYTEK has provided smart education products and solutions to more than 50,000 schools across China, benefiting over 130 million teachers and students.
In the expo’s embodied intelligence zone, robots of various types demonstrated their capabilities in real-life scenarios, including cooking, massage services, vehicle refueling and musical performances.
Among them was the Aimoga Smart Police Robot, a wheeled traffic-police robot that waved its arms with the precision of a seasoned officer while demonstrating its ability to direct traffic in real-world conditions.
The robot has already been deployed in several Chinese cities, including Hefei, Wuhu and Changzhou, serving as an intelligent assistant to traffic police officers.
“Equipped with lidar and 360-degree cameras, the robot is capable of autonomous navigation, environmental perception and human-machine interaction,” said Chen Gaoyuan, a staff member at AiMOGA Robotics Technology Co., Ltd.
“It can assist with traffic direction and road patrols, and help discourage traffic violations, while also taking on repetitive and labor-intensive tasks during major events and holiday traffic peaks,” Chen added.
Focusing on the development and commercial application of embodied intelligent robots, the company is accelerating the transition of robotics from technology demonstrations to real-world deployment.
Its humanoid robots, traffic-police robots and medical-service robots have been exported to more than 50 countries and regions, finding applications in automobile dealerships, exhibition halls, public-service venues, hospitals and traffic management.
Such popularity is also evident at the nearby booth of PaXini Technology. Specializing in multidimensional tactile-sensing technology and humanoid robot development, the company has already deployed its products on a large scale in precision manufacturing, automotive production lines and medical rehabilitation.
Its TORA-series humanoid robots can perform a wide range of tasks, including food preparation and delivery, coffee making, table cleaning, household tasks and other service functions, said Lin Tong, a senior executive at PaXini Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
Lin added that the company has established partnerships with several leading international firms, with its products and solutions serving markets across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
“China’s embodied intelligence industry enjoys clear advantages in deployment speed, scenario diversity and supply-chain coordination,” Lin said.
“With the world’s richest manufacturing scenarios, comprehensive supply chains and extensive robot application environments, China provides a natural real-world training ground for embodied intelligence,” Lin added.
Behind these increasingly rich application scenarios lies sustained policy support.
China issued a new generation AI development plan as early as 2017, and unveiled guidelines on further implementing the “AI Plus” initiative last year. The country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) also calls for fully implementing the initiative to foster AI-driven development, fueling the burgeoning growth of its AI innovations.
According to the National Data Administration, China has become the world’s largest holder of AI patents, accounting for about 60 percent of the global total, while the scale of its core AI industry has exceeded 1.2 trillion yuan (about 176 billion U.S. dollars).
“AI is accelerating its deep integration with a wide range of industries, upgrading traditional sectors, and driving breakthroughs in productivity and efficiency,” said Chen Jiachang, vice minister of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
Chen expects technologies such as embodied intelligence, brain-inspired AI and brain-computer interfaces to create new growth areas and business models, heralding China’s leap toward an AI powerhouse.
A visitor tries the load-bearing capability of a quadruped robot at the World Intelligence Expo 2026 in Tianjin, north China, May 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
The agreements were concluded during the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS 2026) conference, currently taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The global forum brings together researchers, scientists, and forensic experts to exchange knowledge and address challenges facing the sector.
Rwanda is represented at the conference by the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI), in collaboration with the African Forensic Sciences Association (AFSA), which has been headquartered in Kigali since 2022.
Speaking to IGIHE, RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa said the event, which opened on May 25, 2026, provided Rwanda with valuable exposure, expertise, and new partnerships.
He noted that RFI continues to expand its footprint in forensic science, adding that its services are no longer limited to Rwandans but are increasingly attracting international clients.
“For example, last year we received people from 45 countries. Many of them come as tourists, but also take advantage of the services offered by RFI,” he said.
Dr. Karangwa highlighted that RFI’s uniqueness lies in its integrated structure, housing more than 10 laboratories under one institution, unlike in many countries where forensic labs are scattered across different security agencies and often inaccessible or expensive for civilians.
He added that Rwanda’s growing visibility in international conferences has increased global awareness of gaps in forensic services, attracting more people to seek services in the country.
“They say these services are usually within security institutions and are expensive elsewhere. I will go on holiday to see Rwanda’s beauty and at the same time access testing services at RFI,” he said, adding that government subsidies help make services more affordable for foreigners and Rwandans alike.
He noted that continued demand could eventually reduce costs for Rwandans as well.
Participation in IAFS 2026 is considered a major milestone for RFI, as it strengthens international collaboration and opens doors for future expansion. The institute also used the forum to secure partners that will support its ongoing projects.
RFI is currently implementing a five-year strategic plan that includes expanding its presence across Rwanda’s provinces and scaling its operations across Africa.
Dr. Karangwa said the conference also provided an opportunity to promote Rwanda’s model of integrated forensic services.
“Today we held a meeting bringing together Africans. It is an opportunity to showcase what we have so that others can understand and collaborate with us,” he said. He added that many participants were surprised by Rwanda’s advanced forensic capabilities, comparable to those in Europe and the United States.
He explained that Rwanda’s approach to forensic science was partly shaped by its history.
“As a country that suffered the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, there was a need to use scientific evidence to deliver unquestionable justice,” he said. “Every Rwandan should feel that the justice they receive is based on science and cannot be challenged.”
Beyond partnerships, Rwanda also used the conference to promote its ambition of establishing a model African training school for forensic science professionals.
RFI said the event helped raise visibility for the project and attract support from potential partners.
The IAFS, founded in 1957, is considered one of the world’s leading platforms for forensic science cooperation. Its conferences have been hosted across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, but never in Africa or South America.
Rwanda had submitted a bid to host the 2029 edition of the conference. Competing with the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, Rwanda lost to Brazil.
Dr. Karangwa said Brazil won after multiple bids and due to the rotation principle, with Africa and South America still awaiting their first hosting opportunities.
He added that Rwanda was encouraged to reapply in the future once Africa’s turn becomes more favorable.
In addition to networking and promotion, Rwanda also secured cooperation agreements with a Turkish justice ministry-affiliated institution and a French forensic organization.
Dr. Karangwa said preparations are also underway for the 2027 AFSA conference, for which Rwanda is actively promoting participation, with several partners already confirming attendance.
RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa says the institution is ready to expand its operations across African countries.Participants at IAFS 2026 commend Rwanda for the progress made in advancing forensic science used in the justice system.RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa delivered a presentation at IAFS 2026, highlighting Rwanda’s significant progress in the sector.Participants at IAFS 2026 follow a presentation delivered by RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa.RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa during an interview with IGIHE.
Evening reception photos featuring invited participants of IAFS 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria
The agreement, signed on May 23, 2026, forms part of broader cooperation between Rwanda and Oman in the fields of technology and innovation.
Under the partnership, the two companies will work together to develop a modern data center, expand cloud and data storage services, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
The planned facility will be built to Tier III standards, offering high levels of reliability, redundancy, and operational resilience for critical digital services. It is expected to provide continuous operations even during maintenance or upgrades, with an availability rate of 99.982 percent.
Designed to be AI-ready, the data center will support advanced computing applications, cloud services, and data-intensive technologies, enabling faster data processing and analysis while improving digital service delivery.
The project reflects Rwanda’s continued efforts to position itself as a regional technology hub and accelerate its digital transformation agenda through investments in secure and future-ready infrastructure.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, State Minister Yves Iradukunda, and Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) Chief Executive Officer Antoine Sebera.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen data resilience, promote innovation, and support the development of smarter digital systems across the country. It will also help reduce reliance on foreign data-hosting facilities while creating an environment capable of attracting major global technology investments.
BSC, which has operated in Rwanda since 2008, has deployed more than 8,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure nationwide, providing internet connectivity to schools, healthcare facilities, government institutions, and private businesses.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Muscat, Oman Data Park has become one of the leading providers of data center and cloud services in the Middle East, serving hundreds of organizations across multiple sectors.
The partnership comes as Rwanda continues to expand its data center industry. Earlier this year, Minister Ingabire said the sector is growing by approximately 35 percent annually, with the country seeking to attract up to $5 billion in investments in data center infrastructure powered by 100 megawatts of electricity.
The agreement also highlights the growing economic and technological cooperation between Rwanda and Oman. In January 2026, the two countries signed several cooperation agreements covering cargo transport, logistics infrastructure, aviation, and investment around the future Bugesera International Airport.
The agreement was signed between Broadband Systems Corporation (BSC) and Oman Data Park. Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, State Minister Yves Iradukunda witnessed the signing if the agreement. The agreement, signed recently, forms part of broader cooperation between Rwanda and Oman in the fields of technology and innovation.Under the partnership, the two companies will work together to develop a modern data center.
The trio consisting of Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang are all in good health, said the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), noting that the Shenzhou-21 spaceflight mission is a complete success.
At 7:20 p.m. (Beijing Time), the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command via the ground station, and in response the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship separated from the return capsule.
The brake engine then ignited, and the return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 8:11 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the CMSA said, while by 8:59 p.m., the Shenzhou-21 crew had all left the return capsule.
“One person’s voyage to the sea of stars rests on a whole team’s absolute devotion and loyalty,” said Zhang Lu, mission commander of the crew and a veteran astronaut on his second spaceflight, expressing his gratitude for the support of his family, all staff participating in the manned space program, and most importantly, the motherland and the Chinese people.
Zhang Lu has completed a total of seven extravehicular activities (EVAs) so far, becoming the Chinese astronaut who has performed the most spacewalks to date.
Ahead of China’s National Science and Technology Workers Day on May 30, Zhang also brought a carefully preserved apple back to Earth as a tribute to all science and technology workers across the country.
“On the launch day of the Shenzhou-21 space mission, the ground support team gave us an apple to wish us a safe and smooth mission,” he said. “So when we departed the Tiangong space station, we deliberately brought an apple back to give to all sci-tech workers, and say to them: thank you for your tireless hard work.”
Wu, the spaceflight engineer of the crew, who completed three spacewalks during his 210-day maiden mission to the Chinese space station, is the youngest Chinese astronaut so far to carry out EVAs.
“Being entrusted with such an important responsibility on my first spaceflight is the result of my motherland’s trust, my predecessors’ guidance, and the entire crew’s concerted efforts, which enabled me to fulfill the mission successfully,” said Wu.
Zhang Hongzhang, payload specialist of the crew, oversaw a slew of scientific experiments in the space station, including the projects he co-designed.
“Moving from a ground-based laboratory to the space station, it is our great motherland that has allowed me to realize the perfect integration of my scientific aspirations and spaceflight dream,” he said.
During the Shenzhou-21 mission, the crew conducted three spacewalks and completed tasks such as the inspection and photographing of the Shenzhou-20 spaceship return capsule’s viewport window and the installation of space debris shielding devices on the space station, while they also carried out multiple cargo in-and-out operations.
China launched the Shenzhou-21 spaceship on Oct. 31, 2025 to send the Shenzhou-21 crew to its space station for rotation with the Shenzhou-20 crew. However, the Shenzhou-20 crew later found that the Shenzhou-20 spaceship’s return capsule viewport window had suffered a suspected impact from space debris during its mission and was unfit for the crew return mission.
On Nov. 14, 2025, the Shenzhou-20 crew returned safely aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. On Nov. 25, 2025, China launched the Shenzhou-22 spaceship to provide an emergency return vessel for the Shenzhou-21 crew.
Diverse space experiments
The Shenzhou-21 crew achieved new results in an array of scientific experiments and technological tests covering microgravity fundamental physics, space material science, space life sciences, aerospace medicine and new space technologies.
The crew completed electrochemical optical in-situ research of lithium-ion batteries in terms of space applications, as well as related experiments in the fields of life sciences, fluid and combustion experiments.
The crew also achieved, for the first time aboard China’s space station, the closed-environment breeding of mice, laying a technical foundation for future space mammal experiments. In addition, they grew low-defect indium selenide crystals in orbit, which have been used to prepare high-performance field-effect transistor prototype devices on the ground, demonstrating significantly superior performance.
In the field of space medicine, the crew achieved non-contact detection of in-orbit physiological indicators through intelligent recognition of facial micro-movements, and constructed a preliminary model for astronaut exercise fatigue.
They realized the aeroponic cultivation of cherry tomatoes and wheat for the first time on China’s space station, validating related key technologies. They also successfully achieved in-orbit ignition of a new ionic liquid propellant, obtaining dynamic optical information on the catalytic ignition and sustained combustion processes.
Astronaut Wu Fei, a member of the Shenzhou-21 crew, is out of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship’s return capsule after it touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, May 29, 2026. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site on Friday.Astronaut Zhang Lu, commander of the three-member Shenzhou-21 crew, is out of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship’s return capsule after it touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, May 29, 2026. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site on Friday. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, is about to touch down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on May 29, 2026. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-22 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-21 astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site on Friday.
