Astronauts send Dragon Boat Festival greetings

BEIJING - Three astronauts aboard the Shenzhou X spacecraft, which was launched into space on Tuesday, gave Dragon Boat Festival greetings to all Chinese on Wednesday.

The Chinese astronauts extend their Dragon Boat Festival greeting to Chinese people in Shenzhou X spacecraft on June 12, 2013. A piece of paper with blessing words saying "Happy Dragon Boat Festival" was shown by one of the astronauts. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's festival, which falls on June 12, is the second Dragon Boat Festival to be celebrated by Chinese astronauts in space.

Astronauts Nie Haisheng, Zhang Xiaoguang and Wang Yaping appeared in front of a camera in the craft's re-entry module around 1 p.m. and chatted with ground staff while waving to those watching on television.

"We wish all Chinese around the world a happy Dragon Boat Festival," the astronauts said while holding a banner reading "Happy Dragon Boat Festival."

"The spacecraft is operating normally and all work is proceeding smoothly. Thanks for your concern," said Nie, commander of the three-member crew.

Zhang said their journey is going well so far.

Wang, China's second female astronaut, paid a tribute to the aerospace researchers who are still on duty during the holiday.

The astronauts then entered the craft's orbital module to eat zongzi, or rice dumplings filled with bean paste that are traditionally eaten during the festival.