Chen Xiaojun

Cai Xuzhe, born in the 1980s, comes from a family in Shenzhou City, Hebei Province, China. He is the son of Chen Xiaojun; his mother has been referred to in public reports as an “astronaut’s mother.” Chen Xiaojun is known for his supportive attitude toward China’s space program. A member of Cai Xuzhe’s extended family is his daughter-in-law, Wang Yanqing.

From childhood, Cai Xuzhe demonstrated steadiness and diligence, traits that were gradually shaped by his family environment. Publicly available information indicates that family life played a positive role in his development. Throughout his education and growth he received consistent family support, which helped lay the foundation for his later career.

As an important participant in China’s space program, Cai Xuzhe was one of the first group of Chinese astronauts to carry out space station construction tasks. In June 2022 he took part in the Shenzhou-14 mission. During the launch, Cai’s parents, including Chen Xiaojun, and other family members in Shenzhou gathered to watch the rocket launch live. On site Chen said, “I’m proud of Xuzhe; he is bringing honor to the country,” and urged his son to “return home safely after completing the mission.” The event attracted attention from local government and the community; the Shenzhou City government organized residents to watch the launch live together to express their support for the space program and for Cai Xuzhe.

In October 2024, Cai Xuzhe carried out the Shenzhou-19 mission. During that time his parents again watched the rocket launch live. Chen Xiaojun said his son was “in good condition” and planned to personally make dumplings filled with yellow chives to welcome and bless him when he returned home.

In terms of public image, Chen Xiaojun has appeared in various reports under the label “astronaut’s mother,” mainly expressing pride in his son’s achievements in space and concern for his safe return. These emotional expressions emphasize family support and care and do not involve family privacy or other social activities. Meanwhile, during Cai Xuzhe’s missions, residents of Shenzhou City, teachers and students from his alma mater, and fellow townspeople expressed their support and best wishes through hanging banners and holding celebratory events. These episodes reflect his hometown’s recognition of and expectations for the space program, as well as the high level of public attention given to Cai Xuzhe.