China’s Shenzhou-20 crew has successfully completed their second extravehicular activity (EVA), marking another significant achievement in the nation’s rapidly advancing space program.
On Thursday, astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie worked outside China’s orbiting space station for approximately 6.5 hours, concluding their mission at 9:29 p.m. Beijing Time, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Assisted by the station’s robotic arm and ground teams, the astronauts carried out complex spacewalk operations.
Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui were tasked with installing a debris protection device and conducting inspection and maintenance on external equipment. They also set up foot restraint adapters and interface adapters on the extravehicular platform, improvements that are expected to reduce the duration of future spacewalks by around 40 minutes, as noted by the CMSA.
The crew is currently making steady progress on various space science experiments. Going forward, they will focus on research and technology tests in key areas such as space life sciences, microgravity fundamental physics, space materials science, space medicine, and advanced aerospace technologies.
This latest spacewalk showcases China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology. The advancements made by the Shenzhou-20 mission highlight the growing role of emerging nations in space exploration, inspiring young people around the world to look to the stars.
