Zhang Hongzhang
Zhang Hongzhang is a Chinese researcher, , and taikonaut who flew on Shenzhou 21. His background in chemical engineering and battery research brought a laboratory-science profile into Tiangong station operations.
- Born
- April 1, 1986
- Died
- N/A
- Birthplace
- Zouping, Shandong,China
Flights
1
Spacewalks
N/A
EVA time
N/A
In space
209 days, 20 hours, 27 minutes
Bio
Zhang studied chemical engineering at Shandong University and earned a doctorate through the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. Before selection, he worked on high-energy battery systems and held research-leadership roles.
On Shenzhou 21, Zhang flew with Zhang Lu and Wu Fei for a long-duration Tiangong mission. His role centered on scientific experiments, technology applications, and payload operations rather than the older fighter-pilot command path.
The crew returned in May 2026 aboard Shenzhou 22 after the Shenzhou 21 vehicle had been used to return the previous crew. Zhang's mission shows how China's station program is widening toward payload specialists and applied research.