China has celebrated its latest achievements in space exploration by honoring the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals. On Thursday, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were recognized for their significant contributions to China's space endeavors, marking another milestone in the nation's rapidly advancing space program.
Ye Guangfu, a veteran astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. His crewmates, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, were each awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" This is not the first recognition for Ye, who was previously honored with the \"Heroic Astronaut\" title in 2022.
The medals were bestowed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, highlighting the importance of the Shenzhou-18 mission in China's space exploration efforts.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship marked Ye's second journey to China's space station. During this mission, he spent approximately six months aboard the station, adding to his previous six-month stay during the Shenzhou-13 mission. Ye has now become China's first astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year cumulatively.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural space flight. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks, showcasing the skill and dedication of China's new generation of astronauts. Li Guangsu made significant contributions by installing the space station's first space debris protection device during his first spacewalk.
Throughout their 192-day mission, the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has provided valuable data and advancements in space science and technology.
The Shenzhou-18 crew returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, setting a new record for China's longest crewed space mission. Their extraordinary achievements continue to inspire interest in space exploration and highlight China's growing influence in the field.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
