China celebrated the remarkable achievements of its Shenzhou-18 mission astronauts by awarding them prestigious medals for their contributions to the nation's space endeavors.
On Thursday, the three crew members—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—were honored for their historic journey aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft. Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while both Li Cong and Li Guangsu were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and bestowed with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye, a veteran astronaut, had previously been honored with the \"Heroic Astronaut\" title in 2022.
The commendations were conferred by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, recognizing the astronauts' dedication and exceptional performance during the mission.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft marked a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts. Commander Ye Guangfu embarked on his second journey to China's space station, spending approximately six months in orbit. This mission made Ye the first Chinese astronaut to have accumulated over a year living in space, following his previous six-month stay during the Shenzhou-13 mission.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks, demonstrating skill and professionalism. Li Guangsu made history by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his maiden spacewalk.
Throughout their 192-day mission—the longest for any Chinese crew—the astronauts conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has significantly advanced China's capabilities in space science and technology.
The trio safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, setting a new record for time spent in orbit by Chinese astronauts. Their mission not only showcases China's growing prowess in human spaceflight but also contributes valuable knowledge and experience to the global space community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
