Key Points:
- Three Chinese taikonauts completed an 8-hour spacewalk to conduct repairs and maintenance on the Tiengong Space Station.
- The spacewalk is part of the Shincou-17 mission, focusing on space science experiments and technical tests.
- China’s Tiengong Space Station, an independent project, consists of a core and two laboratory modules.
- The successful completion of the spacewalk demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and station maintenance.
In a significant achievement for China’s space exploration endeavors, the China Manned Space Program Agency (CMSA) announced that three taikonauts – Tang Hongbo, Tang Şıngcie, and Jiang Şinlin – have completed a spacewalk to conduct repairs and maintenance on the Tiengong Space Station.
The spacewalk, part of the Shincou-17 mission, lasted approximately 8 hours and marked the 13th spacewalk performed at the space station. The activity included crucial tasks such as repairing the solar panel of the station’s core module, Tienhı, and other essential maintenance operations. The successful completion of these tasks demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and station maintenance.
The Shincou-17 taikonaut team, sent to the space station on October 26, is on a 6-month mission to conduct space science experiments, technical tests, and install extra-vehicular modules. This mission highlights China’s commitment to advancing its space program and leveraging the capabilities of its space station, the Tiengong Space Station.
Constructed as an independent space station due to restrictions imposed by the United States on international cooperation, the Tiengong Space Station consists of a core module and two laboratory modules. China has modeled its space station on Russia’s Mir Space Station design. The core module, named “Tienhı” (Heavenly Harmony), was launched on April 29, 2021, followed by the first laboratory module, “Vıntien” (Searching for the Skies), on July 24, 2022, and the second laboratory module “Mıngtien” (Dreaming of the Skies) on October 31, 2022.
After completing the laboratory modules, the Tiengong Space Station’s mainframe took on a “T” shape, signaling its transition into the “application and development phase.” The addition of a space telescope module called “Şüntien” (Wandering the Skies) is also planned for the station in the future.
Chinese taikonauts are transported to the space station by “Şıncou” (Holy Ship) shuttles to facilitate personnel rotation, while supplies are delivered via “Tiencou” (Sky Ship) shuttles. China’s commitment to space exploration is evident in the successful execution of spacewalks, crucial repairs, and the ongoing operations at the Tiengong Space Station. The nation’s space program continues to make significant strides, emphasizing its growing presence in space exploration.
