SRINAGAR: On December 17, two Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station made history by completing a record-breaking nine-hour, six-minute spacewalk, international media reported. This achievement surpasses the previous spacewalk record of nearly nine hours set by US astronauts in 2001. During the spacewalk, the astronauts performed vital tasks such as installing space debris protection devices and inspecting and maintaining external equipment on the station.
This milestone is part of the Shenzhou-19 mission, launched on October 29, 2024, which is focused on advancing China’s space ambitions. The mission includes 86 scientific experiments in fields such as space life sciences, microgravity, physics, and space medicine, all aimed at preparing China for a manned mission to the Moon. With the Shenzhou-19 mission, China continues to enhance its space capabilities, marking the 33rd mission under its human spaceflight program, the China Manned Space Program (CMSP), which has been active since 1999.
The spacewalk is also a testament to China’s growing space prowess, particularly as the country strives to make its Tiangong space station a viable alternative to the International Space Station (ISS). As part of its broader goals, China plans to collaborate on experiments with 17 countries across Asia, Africa, and South America, furthering its leadership in space exploration and enhancing South-South cooperation.
The achievement highlights China’s independence in space exploration. Having been excluded from the ISS, China has developed its own space station, the Tiangong, as a symbol of its long-term innovation and commitment to advancing space technology. The Shenzhou missions are integral to China’s broader goals, including a crewed lunar landing by 2030 and the establishment of a lunar research station, marking significant steps toward China’s vision of becoming a major player in the space race.
(Courtesy: The World This Week, an academic initiative of the NIAS Programme on Science, Technology and International Relations)
