Decision of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission on Awarding Zhang Lu the "Second-Class Space Meritorious Medal," Conferring on Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang the Honorary Title of "Hero Astronaut," and Awarding Them the "Third-Class Space Meritorious Medal"

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 20 — Decision of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission on Awarding Zhang Lu the "Second-Class Space Meritorious Medal," Conferring on Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang the Honorary Title of "Hero Astronaut," and Awarding Them the "Third-Class Space Meritorious Medal"

(August 20, 2026)

On October 31, 2025, the Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft was successfully launched. Astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang piloted the spacecraft and smoothly entered the Tianhe core module, remaining in orbit for seven months. They conducted three extravehicular activities, completed more than 110 tasks related to the construction, upgrading, maintenance, and repair of the space station, and carried out a series of space science experiments and technology tests, returning safely on May 29, 2026. The Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceflight mission was the sixth crewed spaceflight mission of China's crewed space program since it entered the space station application and development phase. It set the fastest rendezvous and docking record between a Shenzhou spacecraft and the space station, broke the record for the longest in-orbit stay by a single Chinese astronaut crew, and marked a new step forward in China's aerospace endeavors toward high-level self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology (科技自立自强). It is of great significance for enhancing China's overall national strength and the cohesion of the Chinese nation, further strengthening the national confidence and pride of all sons and daughters of China, and inspiring the entire Party, the entire military, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to maintain high morale and forge ahead with determination.

The complete success of the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceflight mission embodies the wisdom and painstaking efforts of a large number of science and technology workers, astronauts, cadres and staff, and commanders and fighters of the People's Liberation Army. Comrades Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang are outstanding representatives among them. Wholeheartedly devoted to the Party and loyal to their mission, they showed no fear in the face of hardship and danger and had the courage to take on responsibility, demonstrating to the world the great Chinese spirit (中国志气), Chinese backbone (中国骨气), and Chinese confidence (中国底气). Comrade Zhang Lu returned to space for the second time after a two-year interval, serving as commander, and cumulatively conducted seven extravehicular activities, setting a new record for the number of extravehicular activities by an individual Chinese astronaut. Comrade Wu Fei, with a determined drive to advance and rigorous training, conducted three extravehicular activities on his very first spaceflight, becoming the youngest spaceflight engineer to carry out a crewed spaceflight mission in China. Comrade Zhang Hongzhang, steady and composed with superb technical skills, was honorably selected as a payload specialist for the Shenzhou-21 crew and performed outstandingly in completing a series of experiments oriented toward space applications. In order to commend them for their outstanding contributions to China's crewed space program, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission have decided to award Comrade Zhang Lu the "Second-Class Space Meritorious Medal," and to confer on Comrades Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang the honorary title of "Hero Astronaut" and award them the "Third-Class Space Meritorious Medal."

Comrades Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang are vanguards of the era who have not forgotten their original aspiration (不忘初心), have kept their mission firmly in mind, and have dedicated themselves to a noble cause; they are models and exemplars in exploring the universe, pursuing the dream of space, and building China into a space power. The Party Central Committee calls upon the entire Party, the entire military, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guide; to thoroughly implement the spirit of the Party's 20th National Congress and all plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee; to earnestly carry out the deployments of the Fourth Plenary Session; to deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments" (两个确立); to strengthen the "Four Consciousnesses" (四个意识), firm up the "Four Confidences" (四个自信), and achieve the "Two Upholds" (两个维护); to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core; to vigorously carry forward the spirit of the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" (两弹一星) and the spirit of crewed spaceflight; to take the commended astronauts as role models; to hold firm the conviction of certain victory; to maintain high morale; and to strive tirelessly to advance the great cause of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化).