📷 Image Credits: CGTN
China’s Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard the Tiangong space station have achieved a significant milestone by conducting their first spacewalk. The spacewalk, which took place on May 28, lasted an impressive 8.5 hours, setting a new record for Chinese astronauts. Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu completed the installation of the space station’s space debris protection device, inspecting extravehicular equipment and facilities during this groundbreaking mission.
This extraordinary achievement showcases China’s dedication to advancing their space program. The importance of protecting the Tiangong space station from space debris was highlighted, especially after a recent incident where the station suffered a partial power loss due to a debris strike on its solar arrays. The successful completion of the spacewalk demonstrates China’s commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of their space infrastructure.
The Shenzhou-18 mission, launched in late April, marks the beginning of a six-month-long journey filled with scientific experiments, technical tests, astronaut crew extravehicular activities, and application payload extravehicular missions. The crew members, Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu, have now become part of the history of Chinese space exploration, contributing to the nation’s growing list of achievements in space.
Chinese astronauts have now conducted a total of 16 spacewalks, with the first EVA dating back to September 2008. The increasing number of spacewalks and successful missions highlight China’s expertise in human spaceflight and their continuous efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration.
The completion of the first spacewalk by the Shenzhou-18 crew sets the stage for further groundbreaking activities and advancements in China’s space ambitions. As China continues to make strides in space exploration, the future holds exciting possibilities for further exploration and discovery beyond Earth’s bounds.
