The Shenzhou XXI crew is conducting China's 16th manned spaceflight and has become the 10th group of residents aboard the Tiangong, which is currently the only operational space station independently run by a single nation.

The three orbital travelers have been aboard the station for over five months since their arrival on Nov 1.

Zhang Lu and his teammates have performed a number of scientific experiments related to space life science, human physiology and microgravity physics, alongside routine operations such as in-orbit environmental monitoring, equipment inspection and maintenance, and cargo arrangement. They have completed a full-system pressure emergency response drill, on-orbit emergency survival training, and preparations for extravehicular activities, according to the release.