Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu have achieved a significant milestone by setting a new spacewalking record for their country. As members of China's three-person Shenzhou 18 mission, Ye and Li spent an impressive 8.5 hours performing extravehicular activities (EVA) outside the Tiangong space station on May 28. This surpasses the duration of any previous Chinese spacewalk, according to the state-run Xinhua news service.

During their EVA, Ye and Li successfully installed a space debris protection device and conducted an inspection of extravehicular equipment and facilities on the space station. This is a crucial task as space junk poses a genuine concern for Chinese space officials. Recently, Tiangong experienced a partial power loss after a debris strike on its solar arrays.

Ye and Li, supported by Li Cong from inside Tiangong, carried out their duties diligently, with Li marking his first-ever spacewalk and Ye completing his second. Ye had previously ventured outside Tiangong during the Shenzhou 13 mission in December 2021. Li Cong assisted the spacewalkers by closely monitoring their activities and ensuring their safety during the EVA.

The Shenzhou 18 mission's successful EVA demonstrates China's commitment to the exploration and development of space. With ongoing efforts to protect its space assets from potentially harmful debris, China continues to make strides in advancing its space program.

As China expands its presence in space, keeping its astronauts equipped with the necessary skills and experience for activities outside the spacecraft becomes increasingly crucial. The record-breaking spacewalk by Ye and Li showcases the nation's dedication to achieving significant milestones in manned space exploration.

With this accomplishment, China's space program strengthens its position in the global space race and further highlights the nation's ambition to become a major player in the exploration and utilization of outer space.

This extraordinary feat by the Chinese astronauts sets a new precedent for future spacewalks and emphasizes China's determination to ensure the safety and longevity of its space stations. As their space program continues to evolve, the world eagerly anticipates further advancements and achievements from China in the realm of space exploration.