China has bestowed prestigious medals upon the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation's space endeavors. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, honoring Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu for their record-breaking mission aboard China's space station.
Ye Guangfu, the mission's commander and a veteran astronaut, received a second-class aerospace achievement medal. Ye has now spent over a year in orbit, making him the first Chinese astronaut to achieve this milestone. He first stayed aboard the space station during the Shenzhou-13 mission and returned for a second six-month stint with Shenzhou-18, which launched on April 25, 2024.
Li Cong and Li Guangsu, both undertaking their inaugural spaceflights with Shenzhou-18, were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Li Cong, the youngest crew member, successfully completed all assigned tasks during the mission. Li Guangsu made history by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his first spacewalk.
The decision to honor the astronauts was made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission. The accolades reflect China's growing ambitions in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific research.
During their 192 days in orbit—a record duration for a Chinese crew—the Shenzhou-18 astronauts conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has significantly contributed to fields ranging from microgravity physics to Earth observation, bolstering China's position in the global space community.
The trio returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, marking the successful completion of a mission that not only broke records but also laid the groundwork for future long-duration spaceflights. Their achievements are celebrated as a testament to China's advancements in human spaceflight and scientific research.
