China has made history once again by successfully completing the first extravehicular activities (EVAs) of its Shenzhou-19 mission, setting a new record for the duration of spacewalks by Chinese astronauts. The nine-hour EVAs surpassed the previous record held by US astronauts in 2001 and marked a significant milestone in China’s space technology development.
The achievement comes after years of gradual progress in human spacewalk history, with notable milestones including the first spacewalk by a Soviet cosmonaut in 1960 and China’s own first spacewalk conducted by astronaut Zhai Zhigang in 2008. China’s recent success demonstrates improvements in material science, engineering design, and astronaut skills, as well as enhancements to its spacesuits.
The nine-hour EVAs also highlighted the rich scientific research activities conducted aboard China’s space station, showcasing the country’s growing capabilities in this area. As China continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, it is gaining international attention and cooperation from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Thailand.
China’s space program has been expanding its reach globally, with numerous collaborations with developing nations. For instance, six earth-resource satellites jointly developed by China and Brazil have been safeguarding the Amazon rainforest for over 30 years, while China’s Fengyun meteorological satellites have helped African countries enhance early warning capabilities.
The country is also promoting technology transfers and cultivating local aerospace talent in these countries, breaking down traditional barriers to space exploration. This systematic approach not only empowers livelihoods through technology but also fosters joint exploration of cutting-edge cosmic science.
China’s commitment to opening-up and collaboration has led to the China Space Station becoming an international public good. The country has signed nearly 200 international cooperation agreements with over 50 governments and international organizations, promoting space technology exchange and cooperation in peaceful use.
As humanity continues to explore the vastness of space, it is crucial that nations work together to address global challenges such as climate change and space debris. China’s leadership in this area demonstrates its potential to contribute significantly to building a community with a shared future for humanity in outer space.
Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202412/1325418.shtml