Nie Haisheng, one of the two Chinese astronauts aboard the
Shenzhou VI spacecraft currently on its space flight mission, spent
his 41st birthday on Thursday in space.
"Happy birthday to Haisheng in space," said Nie Daoqin,
Haisheng's sister, at home in Zaoyang, a city of central China's
Hubei Province.
Nie Daoqin cooked Haisheng's favorite meal for the celebration
of her brother's birthday, expressing the hope for Haisheng to come
back safely. Officials from local government and local people also
gathered at Nie's home to deliver their good wishes for the hero
astronaut.
A local food processing company made a birthday cake with a
decorative pattern of the Shenzhou VI for Nie Haisheng. "All of us
are proud of Haisheng and wish a happy birthday for him," said Song
Aijie, a staff from the company.
Nie Haisheng's friends also brought a special gift, a model of
the Shenzhou VI spacecraft made of radish, for Nie's birthday
party. "We hope that this gift may transfer our regards and good
wishes for Haisheng," said Nie's friend Liu Weizhong,
When astronauts on the Shenzhou VI spacecraft talked with their
family members in the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center
on Wednesday night, Nie Jielin, wife of Nie Haisheng, said the 41st
birthday of Nie Haisheng would come in a few hours. "Good luck to
Haisheng! Good luck to Shenzhou VI!”
At these words, Nie Haisheng was in tears.
Nie Tianxiang, daughter of Nie Haisheng, sang a song for her
father's birthday.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." the song rang
in every Chinese's ears, hoping Nie will enjoy himself in
space.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2005)