The Chinese space station Tiangong has been the stage for a new spacewalk. Two taikonauts successfully conducted an extravehicular activity, marking a significant milestone for China's space program.
Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui spent eight hours outside the station, supervised by their colleague Wang Jie, who remained inside. This spacewalk, the 19th since Tiangong's installation, involved setting up debris shields and performing technical checks.
The use of the Tianhe module's airlock for this spacewalk is a first since the station became operational. The taikonauts utilized the station's robotic arm to precisely position a shield on a specific external area.
The Shenzhou-20 mission, which began last April, is scheduled to last six months. It follows Shenzhou-19, whose crew returned to Earth in late April. China plans to launch Shenzhou-21 this fall.
Tiangong, completed in 2022, is designed for continuous human occupancy for at least ten years. The station, currently consisting of three main modules, can be expanded with additional modules.
These space activities highlight China's growing ambitions in space exploration. The country demonstrates its ability to maintain a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit.
A Shenzhou-20 astronaut works outside the Tiangong space station during a spacewalk on May 22, 2025.
Credit: CSA
Spacewalks are crucial moments for the maintenance and expansion of space stations. They require meticulous preparation and perfect coordination between astronauts and ground teams.
How is a spacewalk prepared?
A spacewalk, or extravehicular activity, requires months of preparation. Astronauts train in special pools to simulate weightlessness. They rehearse every movement to be performed during the spacewalk.
The equipment used during a spacewalk is meticulously checked. Space suits must provide protection against extreme temperatures and micrometeorites. Every detail matters to ensure astronaut safety.
Coordination between astronauts and ground controllers is essential. Communications are constant to ensure everything goes as planned. Spacewalks are scheduled to minimize risks.
Spacewalks enable tasks that cannot be performed remotely. They are necessary for assembling and maintaining space stations.
What is the importance of Tiangong for China?
Tiangong represents a major pillar of China's space program. It symbolizes China's ambitions to become a leading space power. The station serves as a platform for microgravity scientific research.
Tiangong's construction was completed in 2022, marking a key milestone for China. It allows the country to conduct experiments without relying on the International Space Station. Tiangong is a testament to China's space autonomy.
The station is designed to be modular, offering expansion possibilities. This flexibility allows China to adapt Tiangong to its future needs. It paves the way for international collaborations.
Tiangong is also a tool of soft power for China.