On May 28, 2024, the Shenzhou-18 crew members aboard China’s orbiting space station successfully completed their first spacewalk mission. The astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, spent about eight-and-a-half hours conducting various tasks, including installing space debris protection devices. This achievement, facilitated by the space station’s robotic arm and ground support, set a new record for the longest single spacewalk by Chinese astronauts.

Ye and Li Guangsu, who were responsible for the spacewalk, safely returned to the Wentian lab module after completing their duties. This marked Ye’s second extravehicular activity, having previously conducted a spacewalk during the Shenzhou-13 mission, while Li Guangsu experienced his first spacewalk.

The ongoing mission includes a series of planned space science experiments, technical tests, additional extravehicular activities, and the installation of payloads outside the space station, as outlined by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Notably, Chinese astronauts have now conducted a total of 16 extravehicular activities, with significant milestones achieved in previous missions.

For instance, in the Shenzhou-7 mission in 2008, astronaut Zhai Zhigang made history as China’s first person to conduct a spacewalk lasting approximately 19 minutes. Subsequent missions, such as Shenzhou-15, saw a crew perform four spacewalks, setting a new record for the highest number of EVAs by a single Chinese astronaut crew. The Shenzhou-17 crew also accomplished a notable feat by conducting in-orbit maintenance of extravehicular facilities during their second spacewalk, which lasted about eight hours.

The dedication and achievements of the Shenzhou-18 crew members reflect China’s continued progress in space exploration and demonstrate the country’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technology in the realm of space travel.