Two astronauts aboard China's Shenzhou-19 mission spent nine hours outside the Tiangong Space Station, setting a new record for the longest spacewalk, according to the Chinese space agency. This achievement highlights China's growing ambitions in space exploration.
Chinese Astronauts Achieve Historic Spacewalk Milestone
Chinese Astronauts Achieve Historic Spacewalk Milestone
Astronauts from China have reportedly completed the longest spacewalk on record, surpassing a previous American feat from 2001.
Two astronauts belonging to China's Shenzhou-19 mission have reportedly accomplished a remarkable feat by spending nine hours outside the Tiangong Space Station, a duration that edges past the former record of eight hours and 56 minutes held by American astronauts since 2001. The China Manned Space Agency has heralded this event as a significant milestone in their space exploration initiatives.
Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong performed their first series of "extravehicular activities" this week, emphasizing China's aspirations in showcasing its capabilities in space. Following their spacewalk on Tuesday, Mr. Song shared his sentiments, stating, “While admiring the wondrous views in space, we also had a deep feeling of the weight and greatness of the manned space endeavor,” as reported by Chinese state television.
Launched in late October, the astronauts are expected to spend a total of six months in orbit aboard the Tiangong Space Station, conducting various experiments and multiple spacewalks. Their mission represents a precursor to China's ambitions of sending astronauts to the Moon in the upcoming years.
The history of spacewalks dates back to 1965 when a Soviet astronaut first ventured outside his spacecraft for just 16 minutes. The first American astronaut did similarly shortly thereafter. A Chinese astronaut entered the record books with the country's inaugural spacewalk in 2008, which lasted 19 minutes.
While the Chinese Manned Space Agency did not explicitly declare the recent spacewalk as a world record, it was noted to be a national record for China. During their spacewalk, the astronauts undertook essential tasks, such as installing equipment designed to protect the station from space debris and conducting inspections.
In addition to their space tasks, the astronauts also have a companion project involving the study of fruit flies to understand how microgravity and reduced magnetism affect their growth and behavior, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The collaboration signifies not only technological advancements but also growing interests in various scientific inquiries in space.
