Jing Haipeng, mission commander for the upcoming Shenzhou-16 manned spaceflight mission, revealed on Monday that they will stage the first international painting exhibition on the China Space Station, during which works by teenagers from 10 African countries will be put on display in space.
 
Jing disclosed the detail during the Shenzhou-16 crew's press conference on Monday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China's Gansu Province.

The three taikonauts comprising the Shenzhou-16 crew will carry onboard outstanding paintings by teenagers from 10 African countries including Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Indeed, we have this special and meaningful mission for this flight, which is to display international paintings for the first time on the China Space Station, exhibiting excellent works from the "Tianhe Award" for young friends from the 10 African countries, Jing said.

At present, we have not seen the paintings. I believe they will be brilliant. Exploring the vast universe is the common cause and common dream of all mankind, regardless of race, age, or region. We are willing to join hands with all peace-loving people to create a better tomorrow, he said. 

We will take the children's best youth, best friendship, and best dreams into space, sow the seeds of science, friendship, and dreams on the China Space Station, and let them take root, germinate, blossom and bear fruit, Jing said.

Global Times