In a momentous ceremony on Thursday, the three crew members of China's Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—were honored with esteemed medals for their exceptional contributions to the nation's space endeavors.
Ye Guangfu received a second-class aerospace achievement medal, adding to his distinguished accolades. Li Cong and Li Guangsu were awarded third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye, a veteran astronaut, had previously been bestowed with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
The awards were presented by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, recognizing the astronauts' dedication and the significant milestones achieved during the Shenzhou-18 mission.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship marked a pivotal step in China's ambitious space exploration program. Under the command of Ye Guangfu, embarking on his second journey to China's space station, the crew undertook a six-month mission that set new records and advanced scientific understanding.
Ye Guangfu's cumulative time in space now exceeds one year, making him the country's first astronaut to achieve this milestone. His leadership and experience were instrumental in the mission's success.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest member of the team, demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, successfully completing all assigned tasks. Li Guangsu made history by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his initial spacewalk, showcasing China's commitment to sustainable space exploration.
Throughout their 192 days in orbit, the astronauts conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. These endeavors not only expanded human knowledge but also contributed to advancements in space technology and exploration.
The Shenzhou-18 mission concluded when the trio returned safely to Earth on November 4, 2024, after setting a new national record for the longest crewed mission.
This historic mission and the recognition of its crew underscore China's growing prominence in space exploration and its dedication to advancing scientific frontiers for the benefit of all humanity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
