China has honored the three astronauts of its Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals for their contributions to the nation's space endeavors. On Thursday, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were recognized for their dedication and achievements during their record-breaking mission aboard China's space station.
Ye Guangfu, the mission's commander and a veteran astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. His journey on Shenzhou-18 marked his second visit to the space station, where he lived for approximately six months. Previously, Ye spent six months in orbit during the Shenzhou-13 mission, making him China's first astronaut to have lived in space for over a year cumulatively. Ye was previously honored with the title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
First-time astronauts Li Cong and Li Guangsu were each awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and bestowed with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks during the mission. Li Guangsu made significant contributions by 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, highlighting the nation's commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship embarked on a mission that would set new records for China's space program. 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 work has contributed significantly to scientific research and technological advancements, paving the way for future long-duration space missions.
On November 4, 2024, after spending over six months aboard the space station, the astronauts safely returned to Earth, marking the successful completion of a mission that has further cemented China's position in the realm of space exploration.
The Shenzhou-18 mission not only showcases China's growing expertise in crewed spaceflight but also reflects the collaborative effort and perseverance of its astronauts and space agencies. As China continues to expand its space ambitions, missions like Shenzhou-18 play a crucial role in inspiring innovation and fostering international interest in space science.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
