China completes 16th spacewalk onboard Tiangong Space Station

Produced by: Tarun Mishra

Chinese Taikonauts Achieve Milestone

Chinese taikonauts aboard the Tiangong space station have completed their 16th spacewalk, marking a significant achievement in Beijing's space program.

Successful Extravehicular Activity

The spacewalk, part of the Shenzhou-18 mission, lasted approximately 6.5 hours and was conducted by Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu on Wednesday.

Credit: Xinhua/Li Jie

Record-Breaking Endeavours

This event adds to China's space program's progress, with images capturing Li Cong's inaugural spacewalk in a white spacesuit against the Earth's backdrop.

Growth in Spacewalk Experience

According to the China Manned Space Agency, a total of 17 taikonauts have now conducted spacewalks, underscoring the rapid advancements in China's space capabilities.

Historic Duration Achieved

The Shenzhou-18 crew previously set a record with an 8.5-hour spacewalk on May 28, showcasing the longest duration for Chinese extravehicular activities.

Credit: X/CNSA Watcher

Evolution of China's Space Program

China has made significant strides in recent years, with milestones including the first CSS spacewalk in July 2021 and the first female Chinese spacewalk during the Shenzhou-13 mission.

Mission Highlights

Previous missions like Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15 have also contributed to China's space achievements, with multiple spacewalks and technological advancements.

Credit: CNSA/OurSpace

Future Prospects

As the Shenzhou-18 mission continues, the crew will engage in scientific experiments and technological tests, potentially setting more records and advancing China's presence in low Earth orbit.

Credit: CCTV+