Shenzhou-23 crew hosts Tiangong Classroom for Hong Kong and Macau students

The Shenzhou-23 crew conducted a special “Tiangong Classroom” session for students in Hong Kong and Macau. The crew, including mission commander Zhu Yangzhu, astronaut Zhang Zhiyuan, and payload specialist Li Jiaying, provided live scientific demonstrations and interactive dialogue from the Tiangong Space Station.

Li Jiaying showcased the space station’s specialized food technology, including a space kitchen equipped with microwave and hot-air heating devices. The station features a hot-air oven capable of reaching 190°C, allowing astronauts to bake items like cakes and chicken wings. Additionally, Li demonstrated the “space garden,” a soil-free cultivation system using specialized lighting and ventilation to grow lettuce, sweet potatoes, and mint.

During the session, which was attended by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, the crew performed experiments involving fluid mechanics and materials science using water balls. The event highlighted the integration of Hong Kong talent in China’s national space program, with Li Jiaying serving as the first Hong Kong-born payload specialist in the mission.