With the Oct. 17 launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong started the longest journey in space ever made by Chinese astronauts. Their lives for the next 33 days are of great interest to the public.

Huang Weifen, the deputy chief designer of the flight system, explained that the main missions of the astronauts are 16 in-orbit experiments divided into the four categories, including brain-computer interface, study of changes in olfactory and taste senses, plant cultivation and cardiovascular function in zero gravity.

Additionally, Huang disclosed that the astronauts will be expected to work six days per week for eight hours each day. In their spare time, they can take pictures, watch movies and speak with their families.

As for meals, Cao Ping, deputy director of space nutrition and food at the Astronaut Center of China, said that over 100 dishes are available. During the autonomous phase of Shenzhou-11’s flight, the astronauts will have light, easily digestible foods such as porridge. This is because they will likely to suffer from a lack of appetite at first.

In the Tiangong-2 space laboratory, astronauts will transition to three meals a day as usual, and different menus over five days. The Tiangong-2 is equipped with a food heater so that the astronauts can enjoy hot meals.

Since the zero-gravity atmosphere does come with physical side effects, various measures will be taken to guarantee the astronauts’ health and efficiency, explained Wu Ping, vice director of the China Manned Space Engineering office.

In terms of healthcare, astronauts will receive regular health assessments during the mission. A long-distance system for medical support is in place for astronauts to consult with doctors while in space. In addition, protective devices are on hand to minimize potential adverse reactions to zero gravity.