"Can near-sighted people become astronauts?" "What if astronauts get sick in space?" "Do astronauts feel hot or cold when they are engaged in extravehicular activities?"
These were among a number of questions raised by enthusiastic young people in Macau yesterday when they had the chance to meet face in face with the country's astronauts.
The astronauts are members of a delegation of China's manned space programme who are on a six-day visit to Hong Kong and Macau, which started on Tuesday and ends today, at the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the Macau SAR government. They left Hong Kong and arrived in Macau on Friday.
Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency who leads the delegation, told Macau students at a public lecture that an astronaut must have sound physical and mental conditions, professional knowledge and always be able to control emotions, encouraging Macau students to study hard and engage in more physical exercise in order to pursue their space dreams.
Shenxhou-13 astronaut Wang Yaping, well known among the audience because she had given lessons in space to students on Earth twice in 10 years, said she was so pleased to know that some students who attended her lesson a decade ago had become engaged in the space missions now.
"If there is another chance, I really hope to be able to give yet another lesson in space to share its beauties and wonders," she said.
Shenzhou-15 astronaut Zhang Lu shared details of his arduous physical training for long hours and the spacesuit weighing over 200 kg and conducting extravehicular activities as long as 10 hours without eating, urging students who have the passion for space to join the cause.
Shenzhou-12 astronaut Liu Boming said he was able to maintain a sound physical condition while on duty because he was well-prepared. "Remote monitoring and control from the ground were also important," he added.
The astronauts also introduced the nation's space programme development strategies, the construction of its space station and the manned lunar missions, as well as details of life in space.
Hung Ling Ming, a PhD student at the University of Macau (UM), said he was thrilled to learn from the astronauts the spirit of science and the manned space programme. "If possible, I hope to make contributions to our country's space cause," he said.
Sung Gaai Hin, a senior high school student at the Lingnan Middle School who has enjoyed watching rocket launches since childhood, said both he and his classmates have been very proud whenever their nation makes achievements in its space programme.
Pong Sam, a student of the City University of Macao, said he was deeply impressed by the tough training that astronauts have to go through. When asked if he would consider joining the space cause, his answer was "certainly!".
– Xinhua, MPD
Caption: Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah (third from right) poses with the members of the National Manned Space Programme during the local government's official welcoming dinner on Friday. – Photo: GCS
