Two Chinese astronauts, also known as taikonauts, Cai Xiuzhe and Song Lidong, have made history by completing the longest solo spacewalk in space exploration. Their mission lasted over nine hours, surpassing the previous record of 8 hours and 56 minutes set by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms in March 2001.
Historic Spacewalk on the Tiangong Space Station
Cai Xiuzhe and Song Lidong are part of China’s Shenzhou-19 mission, which arrived at the Tiangong space station on October 29, 2024. This was their first spacewalk, marking a significant achievement for the taikonauts and the Chinese space program.
During their extravehicular activity (EVA), the astronauts completed several key tasks:
- Installing a space debris protection system to safeguard the station.
- Inspecting and maintaining external equipment to ensure the station’s functionality.
While Cai Xiuzhe and Song Lidong worked outside, their teammate Wang Haojie coordinated their activities from inside the station, providing crucial support.
Tiangong Station: China’s Space Hub
This record-breaking spacewalk marks the 17th EVA conducted outside the Tiangong space station, China’s ambitious orbital project. The station’s construction began with the launch of its Tianhe module in April 2021. It was later expanded with the addition of the Wentian and Mengtian modules in 2022, forming a T-shaped structure.
The Tiangong station is a significant step forward for China’s space program, showcasing its growing expertise and commitment to long-term space exploration.
“Chinese Astronauts Break Spacewalk Record with Historic Mission on Tiangong Station”
Shenzhou-19 Mission Details
The Shenzhou-19 crew will remain aboard the Tiangong station for six months. During this time, they will:
- Conduct various scientific experiments.
- Perform regular maintenance and upgrades to the station’s systems.
- Participate in training for future space exploration missions.
Why This Spacewalk Matters
This record-breaking spacewalk highlights the rapid progress of China’s space program:
- Technological Milestones: The successful completion of the EVA demonstrates China’s ability to handle complex operations in space.
- Global Recognition: Surpassing a long-held NASA record places China among the top players in the space industry.
- Future Missions: The Tiangong station serves as a foundation for potential lunar and Mars missions in the coming decades.
Conclusion
The record-breaking spacewalk by Cai Xiuzhe and Song Lidong is a testament to China’s growing influence in space exploration. Their mission not only sets a new benchmark for spacewalks but also strengthens the role of the Tiangong space station as a key player in international space research.
As the Shenzhou-19 crew continues their work aboard Tiangong, the world watches closely to see what China’s space program will achieve next.