In a ceremony held on Thursday, China honored the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission for their exceptional contributions to the nation's space endeavors. Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were awarded medals recognizing their dedication and accomplishments during their record-breaking mission.
Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, acknowledging his leadership and extensive experience. A veteran astronaut, Ye was previously honored with the title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022, and his recent mission marks his second journey to China's space station.
Li Cong and Li Guangsu were each awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and bestowed with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" The Shenzhou-18 mission was the first spaceflight for both astronauts, during which they demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment.
The recognition was jointly announced by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, reflecting the significance of the astronauts' achievements in advancing China's aerospace capabilities.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spacecraft embarked on a mission that would set new records for China's space program. Under Ye Guangfu's command, the trio spent 192 days aboard China's space station, conducting nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests.
During the mission, Li Guangsu successfully conducted his first spacewalk, installing the station's first space debris protection device. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, completed all assigned tasks with excellence, showcasing the skill and dedication of China's new generation of astronauts.
Their mission concluded on November 4, 2024, when the crew safely returned to Earth after their six-month sojourn in space, marking Ye Guangfu as the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year cumulatively.
The Shenzhou-18 mission represents a significant milestone in China's rapidly advancing space exploration efforts, highlighting the nation's commitment to contributing to scientific understanding and the peaceful use of outer space.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
