Inside China's Record Nine-Hour Spacewalk

Wednesday, 18 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

China has made a significant leap in its ambitious space program, setting a new benchmark in human space exploration.

Two astronauts, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, completed a grueling nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA), also known as a spacewalk, on Tuesday.

The achievement not only reveals China's growing prowess in space but also breaks a long-standing record held by American astronauts.

The Chinese duo, part of the Shenzhou-19 spaceflight mission, wrapped up their historic EVA just before 10 p.m. Beijing time, according to the China Manned Space Agency. 

Their mission eclipses the previous record of eight hours and 56 minutes, which was set over two decades ago by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms on March 12, 2001.

This milestone is the latest in a series of achievements in China’s rapidly advancing space program. Over recent years, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has conducted groundbreaking missions, including the return of lunar samples from the moon's far side earlier this year – the first in human history.

China’s ambitions extend beyond lunar exploration. By 2030, it aims to become the second country after the United States to successfully land astronauts on the moon. In preparation, CNSA has unveiled an advanced spacesuit tailored specifically for this mission.

Space exploration has increasingly become a domain of strategic and scientific importance, with nations vying for technological dominance, resource acquisition, and national security advantages. 

For China, this achievement not only solidifies its status as a formidable player in space but also showcases its commitment to innovation and exploration.

The Legacy of Long Spacewalks

Spacewalks, though crucial for station maintenance and scientific research, are physically demanding and fraught with risks. 

The previous record-holders, James Voss and Susan Helms, achieved their historic feat during NASA’s STS-102 mission to the International Space Station in 2001. Their nearly nine-hour EVA involved installing equipment and transferring supplies, paving the way for future ISS operations.

Other notable spacewalks include those by cosmonaut Anatoly Solovyev, who holds the record for the most EVAs (16) and the longest cumulative EVA time of over 82 hours, showcasing the enduring significance of human endurance and technical precision in space.

As China sets its sights on more ambitious missions, including the completion of its Tiangong space station and lunar expeditions, its recent spacewalk signifies a new era of achievements. It is a testament to the nation's growing expertise and a harbinger of the future milestones awaiting humanity in the final frontier.