China 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 outstanding contributions to the nation's rapidly advancing space program.
Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, adding to his previous accolades, including the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" awarded in 2022. His crewmates, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, were each bestowed with third-class aerospace achievement medals and the esteemed title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" The awards were conferred by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the significance of their accomplishments.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission marked Ye's second journey to China's space station. As the mission commander, Ye led the crew during their six-month stay in orbit, where they conducted critical experiments and station maintenance. Ye's cumulative time in space now exceeds one year, making him China's first astronaut to achieve this milestone.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest member of the team, excelled in all assigned tasks, showcasing the next generation of Chinese astronauts' capabilities. Li Guangsu made a significant impact by successfully installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his maiden spacewalk, contributing to the long-term safety and sustainability of orbital operations.
Throughout their mission, the trio executed two extravehicular activities and conducted nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has provided valuable data and insights, propelling China's space science and technology to new heights.
The astronauts returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, after spending a record-breaking 192 days in orbit. Their successful mission not only demonstrates China's growing prowess in manned spaceflight but also inspires a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers dedicated to advancing human knowledge and exploration of space.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
