Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station completed a critical upgrade to its orbital defense systems during an eight-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) on Tuesday, December 9. The Shenzhou-21 crew installed advanced debris shielding modules, addressing growing concerns about space junk in low Earth orbit.
State media reported the spacewalk marked China's longest single EVA this year, with crew members conducting emergency repair drills and testing next-generation thermal suits. The new protection system significantly improves the station's ability to withstand impacts from micrometeoroids and defunct satellite fragments.
"This upgrade ensures the safety of our astronauts and the station's operational integrity," said a China Manned Space Agency representative. With over 2,000 active satellites and 36,500 tracked debris objects currently orbiting Earth, the enhancement comes as space agencies worldwide grapple with collision risks.
The installation supports China's plans for extended crewed missions through 2026, including potential international collaborations. Recent data shows the Chinese space station has conducted 23 debris avoidance maneuvers since 2021, a number expected to decrease with the new protective measures.
