'I want to give him a big hug after he returns,' Shenzhou-16 astronaut's colleague says

China on Tuesday launched the Shenzhou-16 manned spaceship, sending three astronauts to its space station combination for a five-month mission. 　

Chinese astronaut Zhu Yangzhu's family were watching live stream of the launch on TV in Pei County, east China's Jiangsu Province, the hometown of Zhu Yangzhu. 　

Zhu Gengde, Zhu's father said that Zhu dreamed of becoming an astronaut when he was a child. He was gratified to see Zhu's ten years' hard work has finally paid off. 　

In Beihang University, where astronaut Gui Haichao teaches, hundreds of teachers and students gathered to watch the launch　through live broadcast. 　

"We hope that he will have an opportunity to give our students a vivid online teaching session on the space station," Liu Rui, Secretary of the Party Committee of School of Astronautics, Beihang University.　 　

Yin Wenzhe, Ph.D. student at Beihang University didn't expect to have such an astronaut around him. "He is my good mentor and friend, as well as the country's first payload expert in space," said Yin, "Gui is my role model, and I will continue to work hard." 　

Bai Xiaoyu, freshman of Beihang University hope to follow in Gui's footsteps. "Whether we become astronauts or engage in related work in space institutes, we can contribute to China's space industry," Bai added. 　

Wang Yue, associate professor of Beihang University, said he wants to give him a big hug after Gui returns. "It's been a long time. Thanks for your hard work," he said.