China has honored the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission with prestigious medals for their outstanding contributions to the nation's space endeavors. The awards were presented on Thursday to Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, recognizing their achievements during the record-breaking mission.
Ye Guangfu, the mission's commander and a veteran astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. He had previously been honored with the title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022. His leadership during the Shenzhou-18 mission marks his second journey to China's space station, making him the first Chinese astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year.
Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both experiencing their first spaceflight, were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest crew member, excelled in completing all assigned tasks, while Li Guangsu made history by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his inaugural spacewalk.
The decision to honor the astronauts was made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, reflecting the nation's commitment to advancing its space program.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission marked a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts. During their 192 days in orbit—a new national record—the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has contributed valuable data and advancements to China's space station operations.
The astronauts safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, concluding a mission that has set new standards for China's human spaceflight capabilities. Their achievements not only exemplify personal dedication but also symbolize China's growing presence and ambition in space exploration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
