Related: Progress M-51 delivers presents to ISS after Christmas pilgrimage

    Russian cargo ship launched to send supplies to ISS

    ISS crew run low on food supplies 

Two astronauts circling the Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are eagerly awaiting the start of 2005, which they expect to be a busy one for the orbital platform now that it has been restocked with supplies. (File photo)

(File photo)

    BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Chiao and Sharipov, two astronauts circling the Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS), prospect for the new mission in 2005 after successful solution of food crisis.

    U.S. astronaut Leroy Chiao and Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov, who arrived at the station in October, had to cut calories because the previous crew got into their food rations.

    "Both of us ended up losing a few pounds," U.S. astronaut Leroy Chiao said in a news conference from the station on Wednesday. "We looked at it as kind of a challenge, kind of a camping adventure, roughing it I guess."

    That the ISS will be part of that effort hit close to home for Chiao and Sharipov, who were prepared to leave the space station unmanned if their recent cargo delivery failed to arrive. Dwindling food supplies would have forced the two astronauts to return to Earth, they said.

    "We were prepared to start the (departure) procedure, but of course we're very happy we didn't have to do that," Chiao said, adding that he and Salizhan cut their regular food consumption in half to conserve supplies, then made up for the lost calories by eating abundant desserts and candies. "It wasn't an unhealthy diet, but it wasn't an ideal diet either."

    The unmanned Russian supply ship brought 2.5 tonnes of food, water, equipment and other supplies, including family photos and other Christmas presents from home. 

    Chiao received photographs, cards and gifts from his wife and family as Christmas presents, while Sharipov received many gifts to remind him of his home in the Oshsk region of Russia's Kirghizia, the astronauts said.

    "I think it will be great to ring in the new year on the space station," Sharipov said. "We hope the next year will be one of the happiest for the world and all its people, and of course, space exploration will continue." Enditem

    (Agencies)