China’s Shenzhou-20 astronauts have successfully completed their first spacewalk, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s growing space ambitions. The trio—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—worked for approximately eight hours on Thursday, conducting extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside the orbiting space station.
According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the astronauts exited the Tianhe core module through the node cabin. This is the first time astronauts have used the node cabin for a spacewalk since the space station entered its operational phase.
During the mission, Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui installed a debris protection device at its designated location. The device had previously been deployed outside through the cargo airlock and positioned by the station’s robotic arm. Their work is crucial for safeguarding the station against potential impacts from space debris.
The crew also inspected and maintained external equipment, ensuring the space station remains in optimal condition. After completing their tasks, the astronauts safely returned to the core module at 4:49 p.m. Beijing Time, assisted by the ground team on Earth.
This successful EVA highlights China’s advancements in space exploration and the dedication of its astronauts. The mission paves the way for future space endeavors and contributes to the ongoing development of the China Space Station.
