Astronauts encourage nation's youth

Addressing hundreds of elementary school students at the exhibition, Nie said many young Chinese dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring the cosmos.

"We hope everyone can stay true to their aspiration, be innovative and inquisitive," he said. "Let's learn scientific knowledge and sail together into the stars, thus contributing to humanity's peaceful development and use of space."

The astronauts also unveiled three proposed research topics that will be spearheaded by China's youth. The selected experiments will be sent to the Chinese space station and be carried out by future astronauts.