In a remarkable feat of engineering and space exploration, Chinese astronauts successfully added more debris shielding to the Tiangong space station during a 6.5-hour spacewalk conducted on Friday, August 15. This significant event was reported by state media and highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the space station from potential space debris.
During the spacewalk, two astronauts from the three-person Shenzhou 20 mission ventured outside the Tiangong space station, concluding their tasks at 9:27 a.m. EDT (1447 UTC, or 10:47 p.m. in Beijing). This operation marks the second time the crew has focused on enhancing the debris protection devices on the three-module space station, following similar work completed on May 22.
Taikonauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie, who participated in the spacewalk, also undertook inspections and maintenance of external equipment on the Tiangong. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the state-run broadcaster CCTV noted that this was Dong's sixth spacewalk, making him the record-holder for the most spacewalks by any Chinese astronaut.
Assisting them from within the Tiangong was Chen Zhongrui, the third member of the Shenzhou 20 crew. This mission has allowed the astronauts to engage in a wide array of scientific experiments, including studies in life sciences, microgravity physics, space material science, space medicine, and aerospace technology.
As the Shenzhou 20 astronauts reach the halfway point of their anticipated six-month orbital stay, they continue to report a stable operation of the Tiangong space station, with all three crew members in good health. The recent spacewalk was the crew's third, demonstrating their growing experience and capabilities in space.
The Shenzhou 20 mission is notable for being the ninth crewed mission to visit the Tiangong space station, which is approximately 20% the mass of the International Space Station and features a distinctive T-shaped design. Following its assembly completion in October 2022, China is considering future missions that may expand the station with additional modules.
Commander Chen Dong, who is on his third spaceflight, is joined by rookie astronauts Zhongrui and Jie, as they continue to pave the way for China's ambitious space exploration objectives.
