The Shenzhou-21 crew has successfully completed their second series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) this week, marking another milestone for China's orbiting space station program. Astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang spent seven hours installing critical space debris protection systems and conducting technical tests during Monday's operation.
This achievement comes four months into their mission, with veteran astronaut Zhang Lu now holding the national record of six career spacewalks. The crew previously conducted their first EVAs in December 2025, demonstrating China's growing capabilities in long-duration space missions.
Beyond engineering tasks, the trio continues advancing 15 scientific projects ranging from microgravity physics experiments to human adaptation studies in space. Their work gains particular significance as China prepares for future lunar exploration missions later this decade.
The CMSA confirmed the astronauts maintained operational readiness through emergency drills and equipment maintenance during their orbital stay. Notably, the crew celebrated the 2026 Spring Festival in space, sharing orbital traditions with Earth audiences through special broadcasts.
With additional spacewalks planned before their scheduled return, the Shenzhou-21 mission continues demonstrating China's technological progress in space station operations and crewed spaceflight capabilities.
