China honored the trio of astronauts from the Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals on Thursday, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the nation's space endeavors. The crew members, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, were celebrated for their record-breaking mission and groundbreaking achievements.
Ye Guangfu, the mission commander and a veteran astronaut, was awarded the second-class aerospace achievement medal. This marks his second such honor, having previously received the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022. Ye's leadership and experience were instrumental in the success of the mission.
Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both embarking on their first spaceflight with Shenzhou-18, were honored with third-class aerospace achievement medals and the esteemed title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, excelled in completing all assigned tasks, demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication. Li Guangsu made history by successfully installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his inaugural spacewalk.
The awards were conferred by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the significance of the astronauts' accomplishments to China's space ambitions.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carried the crew to China's space station for a mission spanning approximately six months. For Ye Guangfu, this mission solidified his status as the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year, following his previous six-month stay during the Shenzhou-13 mission.
Throughout their time in space, the Shenzhou-18 crew conducted two extravehicular activities and undertook nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has contributed significantly to advancements in space technology and scientific research.
The mission concluded when the astronauts safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, after a record-breaking 192 days in orbit. Their achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future explorations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
