China honored the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission with medals on Thursday, recognizing their significant contributions to the nation's space endeavors. The crew, consisting of Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, received accolades reflecting their remarkable achievements during the mission.
Ye Guangfu was awarded a second-class aerospace achievement medal. A veteran astronaut, Ye had previously received the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022. This mission marked his second journey to China's space station, where he lived for approximately six months. His cumulative time in space now exceeds one year, making him the country's first astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year.
First-time astronauts Li Cong and Li Guangsu each received third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks, while Li Guangsu installed the first space debris protection device on the space station during his inaugural spacewalk.
The awards were decided by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the national significance of their accomplishments.
The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship was launched on April 25, 2024. During their mission, the trio carried out two extravehicular activities and conducted nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has contributed greatly to China's advancements in space science and technology.
After a record-breaking 192 days in orbit, the astronauts returned to Earth on November 4, 2024. Their extended stay aboard the space station set a new national record for the longest space mission by Chinese astronauts.
Their achievements highlight China's growing capabilities in space exploration and reflect the nation's commitment to advancing its space program. The success of the Shenzhou-18 mission serves as an inspiration for future endeavors and reinforces China's position in the global space community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
