Title: Lunar New Year 2026 Space Celebration: Chinese Astronauts Film Music Video Aboard Tiangong Space Station
China’s Shenzhou 21 crew celebrated the Lunar New Year in a truly cosmic way this year: by filming an extraordinary music video aboard China’s Tiangong Space Station. The video, a first of its kind, marked the arrival of the Year of the Horse with a blend of high-tech space exploration and time-honored Chinese tradition.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, signifies the beginning of a new lunar cycle, one of the most important events in the Chinese calendar. This year, China’s astronauts decided to take the celebration to the next level, quite literally, by ringing in the new year from space.
An impressive spectacle from the Shenzhou 21 crew, the music video showcased the astronauts in their space gear, performing carefully choreographed movements in zero gravity. The uniqueness of the environment added a new dimension to the celebration, highlighting the integration of China’s cultural heritage with its rapid advancements in space exploration.
The Tiangong Space Station, where the video was filmed, is China’s large modular space station and a significant symbol of the country’s space ambitions. Launched in 2021, the station has hosted several successful missions, with the Shenzhou 21 mission being the latest.
The Shenzhou 21 mission, which began in late 2025, comprises three astronauts, or taikonauts, as they are known in China. The mission aims to further China’s understanding of the conditions and challenges of prolonged human spaceflight, which is crucial for the nation’s plans for future space exploration.
This Lunar New Year celebration, however, shows that life in space is not just about scientific exploration. It also incorporates elements of human culture and celebration, contributing to a growing body of ‘space culture.’ The music video is a visual reminder that even amongst the stars, humans carry their traditions and festivities with them.
The Year of the Horse is said in Chinese culture to bring energy and momentum, and China’s space program indeed shows no signs of slowing down. With its lunar exploration program, Mars rover mission, and now cultural celebrations in space, China is steadily establishing itself as a major player in space exploration.
The Lunar New Year music video is not just a celebration, but also a message of determination and ambition. It is a testament to how far China’s space program has come and a glimpse of where it might go in the future. As we watch the Shenzhou 21 crew celebrate amidst the stars, we are reminded that space is not just a place for scientific discovery, but also for human joy and creativity.
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, one can only wonder what other “out-of-this-world” celebrations and achievements await in the realm of space exploration.
Read more from the original source here: [Chinese astronauts celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 by filming music video on Tiangong Space Station](https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/chinese-astronauts-celebrate-lunar-new-year-2026-by-filming-music-video-on-tiangong-space-station).