The Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng, sent today a congratulatory message to the Central Government regarding the successful return to Earth of the Shenzhou-12 crewed spacecraft.

On behalf of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government, the Chief Executive expressed his warmest congratulations to the country for the successful completion of the space mission. He also expressed his greatest admiration for the three astronauts forming the crew, as well as for the scientists and others involved in the mission.

Shenzhou-12 was the 19th flight mission in the country’s space engineering programme. During their mission to China’s space station, the astronauts completed successfully two spacewalks. The crew worked and lived in the space station for 90 days, setting a record for an in-orbit stay by Chinese astronauts on a single mission.

The return to Earth of Shenzhou-12 marks a breakthrough in the country’s space science programme and a leapfrog development in the nation’s experience of space exploration.

The MSAR Government will – along with the Macao public – continue to support the development of the country’s crewed space programme, while advancing Macao’s own contribution to the prosperity of the motherland, and Macao’s harmony and stability.