China Achieves Spacewalk Milestone: Breaking the US Record

​China has set a new benchmark in space exploration by completing the longest spacewalk in history. On Tuesday, Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong spent nine hours outside the Tiangong space station, breaking the previous record of eight hours and 56 minutes held by NASA astronauts since 2001. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in China’s growing dominance in space exploration.

The nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA), officially declared a “full success” by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), involved the astronauts working outside the Wentian lab module tethered with safety cables. Assisted by the station's robotic arms, ground control teams, and their crewmate Wang Haozhe inside the station, the astronauts showcased precision and endurance. Video footage released by CCTV highlighted their meticulous work in orbit, a testament to China's technological progress.

This mission is not just a technical triumph but also a personal milestone for the astronauts. Song Lingdong, a former fighter pilot and the first Chinese astronaut born in the 1990s, became a symbol of the next generation of space explorers. For mission commander Cai Xuzhe, this was his second spacewalk, following a 5.5-hour EVA during the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022.

The Shenzhou-19 crew arrived at Tiangong in late October 2024 and will remain on the station until April or May 2025. During their stay, they plan additional spacewalks and will conduct numerous scientific experiments and technical tests. Their mission will pave the way for future advancements in space technology and exploration.

China’s rapid progress in space exploration is underscored by its ambitious goals. The country plans to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and has already developed specialized lunar spacesuits. The Tiangong space station, completed in late 2022, serves as a key platform for such advancements. This milestone EVA further cements China’s position as a major contender in the global space race.

China has come a long way since its first spacewalk in 2008 when astronaut Zhai Zhigang spent 20 minutes outside the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft. The latest achievement builds on this legacy, setting new standards for endurance and technical precision. The crew’s return to Earth is planned for the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia, marking the completion of yet another significant chapter in China's space journey.

With this record-breaking spacewalk, China continues to challenge the dominance of traditional space powers. The mission reflects the nation’s growing expertise in space exploration and signals its readiness to lead in the new era of space research. As the crew of Shenzhou-19 carries out its ambitious objectives, the world watches closely, anticipating what this spacefaring nation will achieve next.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com​