On Thursday, the Chinese mainland honored the three crew members of China's Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—for their outstanding contributions to the nation's space endeavors. At a ceremony held by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, the astronauts were awarded prestigious medals recognizing their exceptional service.
Ye Guangfu, the mission's commander and a seasoned astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. His journey aboard Shenzhou-18 marked his second expedition to China's space station, where he spent approximately six months. Previously, Ye had lived aboard the station for six months during the Shenzhou-13 mission, making him the country's first astronaut to have accumulated over a year in orbit.
Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both on their maiden spaceflight missions, were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, excelled in all assigned tasks, showcasing remarkable skill and dedication. Li Guangsu made significant contributions by successfully installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his inaugural spacewalk.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission was a pivotal step in China's rapidly advancing space program. During their record-breaking 192-day mission, the astronaut trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their return to Earth on November 4, 2024, marked the completion of a mission that has set new standards for China's human spaceflight accomplishments.
The honors bestowed upon the Shenzhou-18 crew reflect China's commitment to advancing space exploration and recognizing the bravery and hard work of its astronauts. Their achievements not only contribute to the nation's scientific and technological progress but also inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
