Commander Chang Lu, no stranger to space holidays, reflected on the profound connection felt from afar. ‘Viewing our home planet through the porthole stirs immense love for family and nation,’ he remarked during a live broadcast.

First-timer Wu Fei brought infectious optimism to the crew. ‘Let’s gallop ahead with Horse Year vigor, chasing dreams without pause,’ he urged, perfectly capturing the festival’s renewal theme.

Veteran Chang Hongchang called it a lifelong treasure. Committed to pioneering cosmic frontiers, he pledged ongoing contributions to China’s scientific ascent.

Come Monday evening, approximately 400 km up, the astronauts will feast on microgravity meals. Traditional fare meets innovation with the debut of oven-baked cakes – a space first that pushes culinary boundaries.

Since blasting off on October 31, 2025, the team has logged more than 100 days tackling experiments, repairs, and wellness routines. Their work advances Beijing’s goal of a permanent human presence in space.

This blend of ancient customs and cutting-edge tech highlights China’s dual mastery of culture and cosmos. While families reunite on Earth, these pioneers forge ahead, proving festivals transcend gravity.

The polar satellite launch vehicle lifted off flawlessly, deploying its cargo into space. However, just minutes into the third stage burn, mission control detected deviations in velocity and altitude parameters. Engineers aborted the nominal sequence, switching to contingency protocols that salvaged some mission objectives.

Experts speculate the problem could stem from propulsion system failures, avionics glitches, or propellant flow irregularities. ISRO’s telemetry captured extensive data, now being scrutinized at the mission analysis center in Bengaluru. The primary spacecraft missed its target orbit, but smaller satellites hit their marks, minimizing losses.

Historically, PSLV has been ISRO’s workhorse, powering missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan precursors. This rare failure prompts a review of stage separation mechanisms and engine reliability. Somanath noted that rigorous ground testing will follow to prevent recurrences.

The incident has sparked discussions on the challenges of reusable rocket tech transitions. ISRO remains committed to its 2024 launch calendar, including GSLV and SSLV flights. Stakeholders await the inquiry report, expected to provide insights bolstering India’s space ambitions amid global competition.

ISRO is also actively working on Chandrayaan 4 and Chandrayaan 5. Furthermore, a completed module of the space station is slated to be placed in orbit by 2035.

ISRO plans to increase the number of satellites launched in the next three years, approximately tripling the current number. Additionally, ISRO is working to enhance the payload capacity of its Mark III launcher, increasing it from 4,000 kg to 5,100 kg without raising costs. Astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Nair have received extensive training, including in the United States, and their experience will be integrated into the Gaganyaan program.

During the conversation, PM Modi inquired about the challenges in space. Shukla explained that the environment changes in space, with significant adjustments required by the body. While the body adapts within 4-5 days, difficulties arise upon returning to Earth, including challenges with walking. Shukla, who had cultivated fenugreek and moth beans on the ISS, discussed the challenges of food in space, given the limited space and high costs. He emphasized the importance of maximizing calories and nutrition in minimal space. Shukla, the first Indian to fly to a space station, noted the global excitement for the Gaganyaan mission, with many people from other countries asking about the mission’s launch date.

Shukla stated that the Axiom-4 mission preparations were thorough and that the mission represents a beginning. PM Modi agreed, highlighting this as a first step. Shukla mentioned the government’s strong support for the space program. PM Modi emphasized the importance of self-reliance in the space endeavors.