China Says Astronauts Break Record with 9 Hour Spacewalk

China has made history once again in the realm of space exploration. On Sunday, astronauts aboard the Tianhe core module of the Chinese space station successfully completed a record-breaking 9-hour spacewalk, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ambitious space program.

The two astronauts, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, ventured outside the space station to install equipment and conduct maintenance tasks. The spacewalk, which began at 8:11 a.m. local time, lasted nearly nine hours, surpassing China’s previous record of 7 hours and 22 minutes set in 2008.

During the spacewalk, the astronauts installed a panoramic camera system and tested robotic arms on the exterior of the space station. They also performed tasks to verify the performance of the spacesuits and tools used for extravehicular activities.

The successful completion of the 9-hour spacewalk demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and highlights the country’s commitment to building a permanent human presence in space. The Chinese space station, named Tiangong, is expected to be fully operational by 2022 and will serve as a platform for scientific research, technology development, and international cooperation.

The significance of China’s achievements in space cannot be overstated. The country has rapidly advanced its space program in recent years, launching a series of successful missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. China’s space agency, the China National Space Administration (CNSA), has ambitious plans for the future, including crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the development of a space station in lunar orbit.

The successful 9-hour spacewalk by Chinese astronauts is a testament to the dedication, skill, and ingenuity of the country’s space program. It serves as a reminder of the incredible progress that China has made in space exploration and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. As China continues to push the boundaries of human spaceflight, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this remarkable journey.