China has honored the three astronauts of its Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals for their exemplary contributions to the nation's space endeavors. The awards were announced on Thursday by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission.
Ye Guangfu, the mission commander and a veteran astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. He was previously honored with the title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022 after his participation in the Shenzhou-13 mission. His cumulative time in space now makes him the first Chinese astronaut to have spent over a year in orbit.
First-time space travelers Li Cong and Li Guangsu were each awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, successfully completed all assigned tasks during the mission. Li Guangsu, in his inaugural spacewalk, notably installed the first space debris protection device on the Chinese space station.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carried the trio to China's space station, where they lived and worked for a record-breaking 192 days. During their mission, they conducted two extravehicular activities and performed nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their efforts have significantly advanced China's capabilities in space science and technology.
The mission concluded with their safe return to Earth on November 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in China's rapidly advancing space program.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
