Peking University, April 18, 2022: On the morning of April 16, 2022, the Shenzhou-13 space capsule successfully landed in the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia, China. Taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu returned to Earth after spending 182 days in orbit, breaking the national record. The crew has completed all scheduled tasks, including multiple extra-vehicular activities (EVA), spacewalks, two video lectures from space, and a New Year’s celebration in space, setting new Chinese records in space exploration.


Among the three taikonauts, Wang Yaping is a master’s graduate of School of Journalism and Communication of Peking University (PKU), and is currently a PhD candidate at PKU School of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences. On the first day of 2022, Wang Yaping received an unexpected letter from PKU, and sent back an emotional reply: “I believe that you, too, on Earth, are pursuing your ideals taking charge of the future of PKU and the country… The year 2022 will be a year of hope. At this moment, the starry sky and Weiming Lake shine together.”


Before this second space trip, Wang Yaping’s daughter hoped for her safe return and wanted her to pick shining stars for herself and her classmates. On November 7, 2021, Wang successfully became the first Chinese woman to conduct a spacewalk, pushing the boundaries of Chinese space exploration and turning her daughter’s dreams into reality.


Wang Yaping also captured the hearts of the nation with her televised appearances. On December 9, 2021, Wang participated in a live video lecture and conveyed the wisdom of the universe to Chinese youth. On February 15, 2022, she played “Jasmine” on the Guzheng to an audience on Earth during the Lantern Festival TV program. On March 23, 2022, Wang delivered a series of innovative science demonstrations with her crewmates.


Before evacuating the space station, the team expressed their gratitude to the nation, exclaiming: “We are ready to return to the ground! Thank you all for your utmost care and love, and thank you to the researchers for your unwavering support!” At this moment, Wang Yaping expressed her pride and joy with a cute hand heart. As she’d said in her reply letter, “Our love and affection for Peking University and our homeland endures no matter where we may be.”

Last but not the least, welcome home, Wang Yaping, and congratulations again to our three space heroes!

Written by: Fu Jiaqi
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Source: PKU News (Chinese)