China's cutting-edge Feitian spacesuits, critical to the success of its space station missions, have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by surpassing their original design lifespan. During the Shenzhou-19 crew’s third extravehicular activity (EVA) last week, one suit marked its 17th use—exceeding the initial 15-use limit set for a 3-year period, according to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.
Scientists behind the suits credit their durability to advanced engineering. 'Feitian spacesuits are designed to withstand extreme space conditions while ensuring astronaut safety and mobility,' said Liu Dongyue, a researcher at the center. Each 130-kilogram suit, priced at approximately $4.14 million, integrates radiation shielding, micrometeorite protection, and a liquid cooling system to regulate body temperature during demanding tasks.
Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation, emphasized the suit’s innovation: 'These suits effectively balance pressure differentials and provide life support comparable to a spacecraft’s environment. The backpack-style systems supply oxygen and manage thermal balance, enabling multi-hour missions.' During the Shenzhou-19 mission, astronauts completed over seven hours of work outside the Tiangong space station, supported by built-in hydration tubes and high-energy food bars tailored for rigorous EVAs.
The Feitian suits’ reliability underscores China’s growing prowess in space technology, offering insights for global researchers and businesses eyeing collaborative opportunities in aerospace advancements.
