Space log: Astronauts have similar upper limb strength as gymnasts

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Three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, arrived at the core module of China's space station on June 17 for a three-month stay.

One of the most challenging tasks ahead for them is extravehicular activities, which require extraordinary upper limb strength, according to Huang Weifen, chief designer of the astronaut system of China's manned space program.

Through extensive training on the ground, the taikonauts have gained upper limb strength no less than that of professional gymnasts or kayakers, Huang said in an interview with China Media Group.

The most important training program they went through was to perform the extravehicular operations in a water tank, which simulated the microgravity environment. Each training session lasted several hours and tested the upper limb strength and stamina of the taikonauts, according to Huang.

Tang Hongbo, the youngest member of the three-man crew, said he was so tired after the initial training sessions that he could barely hold a pair of chopsticks.

"If you can do the training underwater, it means that you can do the same thing in space," Huang said.

According to Nie Haisheng, commander of the team, their extravehicular activities include two spacewalks, each lasting for about six hours, and for the first time the use of a robotic arm, which makes the tasks complicated and difficult "beyond imagination."

Stay tuned with CGTN for more details about the taikonauts' life and work in space.