The three crew members of China's Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—were awarded medals on Thursday for their outstanding contributions to China's space endeavors.
Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye, a veteran astronaut, had previously received the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
The awards were conferred by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, recognizing the astronauts' exceptional service and dedication.
China launched the Shenzhou-18 crewed spacecraft on April 25, 2024. This mission marked Commander Ye's second journey to China's space station, where he spent approximately six months. With this mission, Ye became the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year, having previously spent six months aboard the station during the Shenzhou-13 mission.
The Shenzhou-18 mission was the inaugural spaceflight for both Li Cong and Li Guangsu. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. Li Guangsu made significant contributions by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his first spacewalk.
During their 192-day mission, the astronaut trio 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 space exploration capabilities and contributed valuable data to the global scientific community.
The Shenzhou-18 crew returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, after spending a record-breaking time in orbit. Their achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists and explorers in China and around the world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
