YouTubeVideo Credit : VideoFromSpace
On July 3, 2024, Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu and Li Cong achieved a significant milestone as they conducted a second spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station, marking another crucial step in China’s ambitious space program. The extravehicular activity (EVA) was supported by astronaut Li Guangsu, who provided assistance from inside the space station.
The Tiangong space station, which means “Heavenly Palace” in Chinese, represents China’s most ambitious project in space to date. Orbiting approximately 400 kilometers above Earth, this modular space station is designed to host long-term manned missions and conduct cutting-edge scientific research in microgravity.
According to Liu Ming from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, “The main purpose of the spacewalk this time is to install protection devices for extravehicular equipment.” This critical task ensures the longevity and functionality of external components on the Tiangong space station, which are exposed to the harsh environment of space, including radiation, temperature extremes, and micrometeoroid impacts.
In addition to installing protective devices, the astronauts performed various other tasks during their spacewalk. These included conducting maintenance on existing equipment, testing new tools and procedures for future EVAs, and collecting samples from the station’s exterior for scientific analysis.
The Tiangong space station, which became fully operational in late 2022, consists of three main modules: the Tianhe core module and two laboratory modules named Wentian and Mengtian. This configuration allows for a wide range of scientific experiments and technological demonstrations, positioning China as a major player in space exploration and research.
This latest spacewalk demonstrates China’s growing expertise in complex space operations and its commitment to maintaining a long-term presence in low Earth orbit. The Tiangong space station is expected to operate for at least 10 years, providing a platform for international cooperation and scientific advancement.
As China continues to develop its space capabilities, the Tiangong space station serves as a testament to the country’s technological prowess and its aspirations for future space exploration, including potential missions to the Moon and Mars.
