In a grand ceremony on Thursday, China honored the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—with prestigious medals for their outstanding contributions to the nation's space endeavors.
Ye Guangfu received the second-class aerospace achievement medal, recognizing his leadership and experience. Li Cong and Li Guangsu were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and bestowed with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye had previously been honored with the title \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
The awards were presented by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, highlighting the significance of their achievements.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission marked a significant milestone in China's rapidly advancing space program. For Ye Guangfu, the mission was his second journey to China's space station, where he spent approximately six months. Combined with his previous six-month stay during the Shenzhou-13 mission, Ye has become the country's first astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest crew member, excelled in all assigned tasks, demonstrating remarkable skill and composure. Li Guangsu made history by successfully installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his first spacewalk.
Throughout their 192 days in orbit—a record-breaking duration for a Chinese crew—the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit applications. Their work has significantly advanced China's capabilities in space exploration and scientific research.
The Shenzhou-18 mission concluded when the astronauts safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, bringing back invaluable data and experiences that will inform future missions.
China's commitment to space exploration continues to grow, with plans for more missions and scientific endeavors aboard its space station. The achievements of the Shenzhou-18 crew underscore the nation's dedication to becoming a leading power in space technology and exploration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
