Chinese taikonauts aboard Tiangong, the Chinese Space Station (CSS) have successfully completed their second spacewalk as part of the Shenzhou-18 mission, adding a new record in Beijing's ambitious space program.
The extravehicular activity (EVA), lasting approximately 6.5 hours, was carried out on Wednesday by crew members Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu.
This latest spacewalk represents the 16th EVA conducted by Chinese astronauts during the CSS's application and development phase.
The event garnered significant media attention, particularly due to images of Li Cong performing his first-ever spacewalk in a white spacesuit against the backdrop of Earth.
The China Manned Space Agency reported that a total of 17 taikonauts have now conducted spacewalks, highlighting the rapid progress of China's space program. This achievement builds upon the record-breaking 8.5-hour spacewalk performed by the same Shenzhou-18 crew on May 28, which set a new duration record for Chinese EVAs.
The Shenzhou-14 crew earned the nickname "the busiest space crew" on Chinese social media, completing three spacewalks and setting a record for the shortest duration between EVAs. The Shenzhou-15 mission pushed boundaries further by performing four spacewalks in their six-month mission, establishing a domestic record for the most EVAs by a single crew.
As the Shenzhou-18 mission progresses, the crew is expected to conduct numerous scientific experiments and technological tests. With two-thirds of their space journey still ahead, there's potential for additional spacewalks and further milestones.
These achievements shows China's growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to advancing its presence in low Earth orbit.
The continuous progress in EVA operations not only demonstrates technological prowess but also paves the way for more complex space missions in the future.
