The Shenzhou-18 crew members on board China's orbiting Tiangong space station has been diligently carrying out a range of tasks, including routine maintenance, training exercises, and capturing panoramic images of the station's interior, as shown in videos released by the China Manned Space Agency on Sunday.
Approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth, the crew conducted routine inspections, maintenance, and storage configuration of the Feitian extravehicular spacesuits within the space station last week. These spacesuits are crucial for astronauts during spacewalks, serving as individual life support systems and miniature spacecraft, providing life support and operational capabilities.
The Chinese Space Station currently houses three extravehicular spacesuits, which have successfully supported the crew in completing two spacewalks during this mission.
In addition to equipment maintenance, the crew participated in in-cabin spacesuit donning and doffing training, which is essential for maintaining operational skills and further enhancing the crew's emergency response speed and dexterity in a zero-gravity environment. Data collected from these drills will contribute to the development of emergency evacuation plans.
The astronauts also conducted panoramic imaging and 3D scanning of the space station's interior, providing ground-based researchers with vital data to understand the cabin environment and create 3D models.
In the images, astronaut Li Guangsu, following ground instructions, opened the inner cabin door and worked closely with astronaut Ye Guangfu to capture images and scan the cargo airlock with specialized equipment.
Launched on April 25, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft carries three astronauts—Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu—on a mission designed to last six months, continuing China's advancements in manned space exploration.
Shenzhou-18 crew advances operations with maintenance, training, panorama photography in space station
