China has honored the crew members of the Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals for their significant contributions to the nation's space exploration efforts.
On Thursday, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were recognized for their exemplary services. Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu were each awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals along with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Notably, Ye had previously been bestowed the \"Heroic Astronaut\" title in 2022, reflecting his ongoing dedication to China's space program.
The commendations were conferred by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the national importance of their achievements.
The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship launched on April 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in China's space endeavors. Commander Ye Guangfu embarked on his second journey to the China Space Station, where he resided for approximately six months. His previous mission, Shenzhou-13, also lasted six months, making him the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year cumulatively.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 represented their inaugural spaceflight mission. As the youngest crew member, Li Cong successfully completed all assigned tasks, showcasing remarkable proficiency and dedication. Li Guangsu achieved a significant feat by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his maiden spacewalk.
Throughout their mission, the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. These endeavors contributed valuable data and advancements to China's space technology and research capabilities.
After spending a record-breaking 192 days in orbit, the astronauts safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024. Their mission not only set new duration records for China's crewed space missions but also laid a solid foundation for future long-term space habitation and exploration.
The successful completion of the Shenzhou-18 mission and the honoring of its crew members highlight China's growing capabilities and ambitions in space exploration, reflecting a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
