The three Chinese astronauts, known as taikonauts, aboard the China Space Station (CSS) for the Shenzhou-18 mission have successfully completed their second spacewalk, lasting approximately 6.5 hours on Wednesday. This milestone marks the 16th extravehicular activity (EVA) conducted by taikonauts during the CSS’s application and development phase.
Li Cong, one of the Shenzhou-18 crew members, embarked on his first spacewalk, capturing the attention of media worldwide. Images of Li against the breathtaking backdrop of Earth have inspired many, symbolizing the advancements in China’s space exploration efforts.
According to data released by the China Manned Space Agency on Thursday, a total of 17 taikonauts have performed spacewalks to date. The increasing frequency of EVAs highlights the routine nature of these missions for the CSS crews over the past three years.
A Journey of Milestones
China’s journey in spacewalks began in 2008 with the Shenzhou-7 mission, which featured the nation’s first-ever EVA during a three-day flight. Fast forward to July 4, 2021, the Shenzhou-12 taikonauts Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo conducted the first space station spacewalk, lasting about seven hours.
The Shenzhou-13 crew continued this legacy by completing two spacewalks during their six-month stay in orbit. Notably, Wang Yaping became the first female Chinese spacewalker, earning admiration for her contributions and her role as the “space teacher” after delivering a live lecture from space in 2013.
Dubbed “the busiest space crew” on Chinese social media, the Shenzhou-14 mission set new records by completing three spacewalks, with their first EVA marking the inaugural exit from the Wentian lab module. Their swift second spacewalk, just 16 days later, set a record for the shortest interval between EVAs.
The Shenzhou-15 crew, an all-male trio launched in November 2022, achieved a domestic record by performing four spacewalks during their six-month mission. Their dedication and accomplishments have been celebrated as significant contributions to China’s space endeavors.
Looking Ahead
The recent achievements of the Shenzhou-18 crew underscore the rapid progress and ambition of China’s space program. As the CSS continues to serve as a platform for scientific research and international cooperation, these milestones pave the way for future explorations and collaborations in space.
With each mission, taikonauts are pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight, inspiring a new generation of scientists, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Reference(s):
China Space Station sets milestones with 16 record-breaking spacewalks
cgtn.com
