In a ceremony that celebrated China's burgeoning prowess in space exploration, the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission were honored on Thursday with prestigious medals for their outstanding contributions. Commander Ye Guangfu, along with crewmates Li Cong and Li Guangsu, received accolades that highlight their commitment and achievements during their record-breaking mission aboard China's space station.
Ye Guangfu was awarded a second-class aerospace achievement medal, recognizing his leadership and experience in space missions. Li Cong and Li Guangsu were each bestowed with third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" This marks Ye's second recognition, having received the \"Heroic Astronaut\" title in 2022, further cementing his legacy in China's space endeavors.
The awards were presented by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, underscoring the national significance of their accomplishments. The recognition reflects China's dedication to advancing its space program and the vital role these astronauts play in its success.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 mission marked Ye's second journey to the Chinese space station. Over approximately six months, he led the crew in conducting extensive scientific research and experiments. His combined time in space now exceeds a year, making him the first Chinese astronaut to achieve this milestone following his previous six-month mission during Shenzhou-13.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 was their inaugural spaceflight, yet both made significant contributions. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, demonstrated exceptional proficiency by completing all assigned tasks with excellence. Meanwhile, Li Guangsu made history by successfully installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his maiden spacewalk, enhancing the station's safety and longevity.
Throughout their mission, the trio executed two extravehicular activities and conducted nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests. Their work has provided invaluable data and insights, propelling China's space science capabilities forward.
After spending a record-breaking 192 days in orbit, the crew returned to Earth on November 4, 2024. Their extended mission set new benchmarks for China's human spaceflight duration, showcasing the country's growing expertise in long-term space habitation and exploration.
The success of the Shenzhou-18 mission and the recognition of its crew members not only reflect individual excellence but also signify China's accelerating advancements in space exploration. As the nation continues to expand its ambitions beyond Earth, astronauts like Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu stand at the forefront of these pioneering efforts, inspiring future generations of explorers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
