China has honored the three astronauts of its Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—with prestigious medals for their remarkable contributions to the nation's space endeavors.
At a ceremony held on Thursday, Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" This recognition highlights their dedication and the pivotal roles they played during the mission.
Ye Guangfu, a seasoned astronaut, was previously honored with the \"Heroic Astronaut\" title in 2022. His leadership as the crew commander of Shenzhou-18 marked his second journey to the Chinese space station, making him the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year, having spent approximately six months on both the Shenzhou-13 and Shenzhou-18 missions.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission was a significant milestone for China's space program. It was the first spaceflight for both Li Cong and Li Guangsu. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, excelled in completing all assigned tasks, while Li Guangsu successfully installed the first space debris protection device on the space station during his maiden spacewalk.
During their 192 days in orbit, the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their return to Earth on November 4, 2024, set a record for the longest crewed mission duration in China's space history.
The decision to honor the astronauts was made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the national importance of their achievements.
China's commitment to advancing its space exploration continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, marking significant strides in technology and international cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
