China has bestowed prestigious medals on the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-18 mission in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation's space exploration efforts.
Ye Guangfu was awarded a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class aerospace achievement medals along with the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye, a seasoned astronaut, had previously been honored with the title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
The commendations were decided by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission.
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spacecraft marked Commander Ye's second voyage to the China Space Station, where he resided for approximately six months. His prior mission, Shenzhou-13, saw him spend another six months aboard the station, making him the country's first astronaut to have lived in orbit for over a year.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Shenzhou-18 represented their inaugural spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest crew member, successfully completed all assigned tasks, while Li Guangsu made history by installing the first space debris protection device on the space station during his initial spacewalk.
Throughout the mission, the trio conducted two extravehicular activities and carried out nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit application payload tests, contributing valuable data to China's space program.
After spending a record-breaking 192 days in orbit, the astronauts safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
