China has awarded medals to the three crew members of the Shenzhou-18 mission—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation's space endeavors.
On Thursday, Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu received third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut.\" Ye, a veteran astronaut, had previously received the honorary title of \"Heroic Astronaut\" in 2022.
The decision to bestow these honors was made by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission.
Record-Breaking Mission
Launched on April 25, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship marked Ye Guangfu's second journey to China's space station. As the mission's commander, Ye lived in orbit for approximately six months. Combined with his previous six-month stay during the Shenzhou-13 mission, he became the country's first astronaut to have lived in space for over a year.
For Li Cong and Li Guangsu, the Shenzhou-18 mission was their first spaceflight. Li Cong, the youngest member of the crew, effectively completed all his assigned tasks, while Li Guangsu successfully installed the first space debris protection device on the space station during his inaugural spacewalk.
Scientific Achievements
Throughout their 192 days in orbit, the Shenzhou-18 astronauts undertook two extravehicular activities and conducted nearly 100 space science experiments and in-orbit payload tests. Their efforts contributed significantly to advancing China's space science and technology.
The crew safely returned to Earth on November 4, 2024, setting a new record for China's longest manned space mission.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
