This is something Chiao learned from his previous experience of working with Russian astronauts.

Being the first Chinese-American astronaut to perform extra-vehicular activities and the first Chinese-American Mission Commander to the ISS, Chiao said he is "proud of representing Chinese people around the world for being the chief astronaut and performing space walks".

Because both of his parents come from East China's Shandong Province, Chiao said he called himself a Shandong ren (Shandong resident) aboard on the ISS. And during his space flights, Chiao would take as many photos of China as he could.

Chiao praised China's Chang'e Lunar Exploration Program as a "good" plan, saying it is "important to reach as far as you can". It is also a worthwhile investment, which could drive technological development, provide jobs and bring a prestige to the country, he added. But while so much of what is important in his life seems to aim skyward, his most important ties bring him down to Earth: his six-month-old twin babies, a boy and a girl.

Wherever he goes, Chiao always carries their photos -- even into outer space.