The three-member Shenzhou-19 crew wrapped up a groundbreaking 175-day stay aboard the China Space Station, marking new milestones in orbital operations and human endurance. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), all systems ran smoothly and the astronauts remain in good health.
During their mission, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze carried out three spacewalks and tackled six in-and-out payload transfer tasks. In a standout moment, the team set a world record for the longest single spacewalk—an astonishing nine hours outside the station’s airlock.
Cai Xuzhe further boosted his credentials by logging his fifth extravehicular activity, making him the most experienced Chinese astronaut in spacewalk history. Song Lingdong made his debut as the first astronaut born in the 1990s to step outside the station, while Wang Haoze became the first female aerospace flight engineer to join the crew.
The Shenzhou-19 team also overcame a critical challenge when a payload adapter became stuck during cargo installation. In their first spacewalk, they expertly resolved the snag, laying the groundwork for smooth progress on subsequent experiments and station tasks.
As the space station program gears up for future missions, the achievements of Shenzhou-19 underscore China’s growing prowess in long-duration spaceflight and robotic‑astronaut cooperation. Young explorers and tech enthusiasts around the globe are watching closely—this mission not only advances science but also inspires the next generation of spacefarers.
Reference(s):
Shenzhou-19 mission review: 175 days in orbit, longest spacewalk
cgtn.com
