Shenzhou XIX crew completes second spacewalk mission
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 22, 2025

The crew of Shenzhou XIX aboard China's space station successfully carried out their second series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) early Tuesday, as confirmed by the China Manned Space Agency. The activities concluded at 1:12 am Beijing Time.

Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze worked for 8.5 hours during this operation, focusing on key tasks such as installing protective devices against space debris and conducting a comprehensive extravehicular inspection. Their efforts were supported by the station's robotic arm and mission control on Earth.

Cai and Song performed the primary spacewalking duties and have safely returned to the Wentian laboratory module.

This marks their second EVA mission following their first successful spacewalk on December 17, 2024. Since then, the crew has been engaged in multiple mission-critical tasks, including inspecting and maintaining space station equipment, performing system-wide pressure emergency drills, and preparing for the latest EVA.

Having completed nearly half of their scheduled mission, the crew is set to conduct numerous in-orbit scientific experiments and technological tests in the coming weeks. Alongside their demanding duties, they are also preparing to celebrate the Spring Festival, known as the Chinese New Year, while in space.

Related Links
China Manned Space Agency
The Chinese Space Program - News, Policy and Technology
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