Taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng aboard the Shenzhou-6 spacecraft greeted all Chinese people, including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots, expressing their gratitude for people's love and concern Sunday evening.

Through satellite communications, an official at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center told Fei and Nie that numerous Chinese both at home and abroad have sent letters over the past several days, wishing them a safe and successful return.

"We're grateful for the deep love and concern by all Chinese people, the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots," said Nie Haisheng in the brief hook-up.

"We will do our utmost to fulfill the mission, " Fei Junlong pledged.

Fei said they were "feeling good" and having a "happy" life in space, and their work was proceeding smoothly.

The space long distance call was held as the spacecraft on China's second manned space flight was moving around the Earth in the 71 circles.

The dual crew have held brief conversations with their family members and Chinese President Hu Jintao from space since the lift-off of the spacecraft Wednesday morning.

Source: Xinhua