Ever dreamed of roaming the final frontier? China’s second-gen Feitian spacesuit B just made history by supporting 20 extravehicular activities (EVAs) over four years! 🚀✨
On August 15, astronaut Chen Dong donned suit B during the third EVA of the Shenzhou-20 mission aboard China’s orbiting space station. The China Astronaut Research and Training Center confirmed this milestone on Monday, making suit B the first on the station to reach 20 spacewalks within its designed lifespan.
Since entering service, this suit has suited up eleven astronauts across eight manned missions. Designed for a three-year in-orbit lifespan, the second-generation Feitian suit was built to handle at least 15 EVAs—but it’s clearly exceeding expectations! 🎉
This achievement is a testament to China’s commitment to innovation in space. Suit B is also the first homegrown flight product to undergo in-orbit lifespan assessment and extended use trials. Engineers are already unpacking the next generation: two new suits, labeled D and E, arrived on July 15 aboard the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft. They’re prepped and ready for future missions.
Compared to the first-generation Feitian suits, these second-gen models boast longer lifespans, enhanced safety, and improved reliability. That extra edge means astronauts can work more efficiently outside the cabin—crucial for building and operating a modern space station. Onward to the next 20 spacewalks! 💪🌌
Reference(s):
Chinese spacesuit reaches 20 spacewalks, extending in-orbit lifespan
cgtn.com
