The in-orbit Shenzhou-20 crew has successfully completed their fourth extravehicular activity (EVA), commonly known as a spacewalk. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), commander Chen Dong and taikonauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie wrapped up six hours of space station maintenance at 1:35 a.m. Beijing Time on Friday.
During the mission, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie installed debris protection devices and inspected the station's external equipment and facilities. The operation, supported by the station's robotic arm and ground control teams, marked the first time two members of China's third batch of taikonauts conducted an EVA together.
With four spacewalks completed in just over 150 days—roughly one EVA every 38 days—the Shenzhou-20 crew stands among the most active teams in Chinese space history. Their tasks are critical for extending the lifespan and safety of the orbiting outpost.
After orbiting Earth for more than five months, the trio will shift focus to advanced scientific experiments and technical tests. They also plan to celebrate both National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival aboard the station, marking China's major holidays from a vantage point few ever experience.
As the crew presses on with maintenance and research, their achievements highlight the growing importance of regular spacewalks in maintaining long-term missions and advancing human spaceflight capabilities.
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Shenzhou-20 crew completes fourth round of extravehicular activities
cgtn.com
