Nie Haisheng, one of the two Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou VI spacecraft currently orbiting the Earth, spent his 41st birthday in space.

"Happy birthday to Haisheng in space," said Nie Daoqin, Haisheng's sister, at home in Zaoyang in central Hubei Province. His daughter sang him "Happy Birthday" on a voice-link. He wept.

His birthday was Thursday, yesterday, in Earth-time.

Nie Daoqin cooked Haisheng's favorite meal for the celebration of her brother's birthday, expressing hope for his safe return. Local government officials, friends and residents gathered at the home to extend their good wishes to the hero astronaut.

A local bakery cooked a birthday cake with a decorative pattern of the Shenzhou VI for Nie Haisheng. "All of us are proud of Haisheng and wish him a happy birthday," said Song Aijie, a baker.

Nie Haisheng's friends also brought a special gift, a model of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft made of radish, for Nie's birthday party. "We hope that this gift may transfer our regards and good wishes for Haisheng," said Nie's friend Liu Weizhong.

Astronauts talked to their family on Wednesday night in the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center.