Focus on Arts and Ecology

July 9, 2021

China's Shenzhou-12 crew successfully completed the first extravehicular activity (EVA) at its space station on Sunday.

Lasting about seven hours, the spacewalk, the second in China's space exploration history, was much longer than the first in 2008 during the Shenzhou-7 mission that lasted about 20 minutes.

The Tasks 

One of the astronauts' tasks was to install a lifting bracket for one of the extravehicular panoramic cameras, which was initially installed at a lower position with limited vision.

A wider perspective of the camera is required for the astronauts to monitor the situation outside the space station, so the astronauts need to install a bracket to lift the camera higher

They also carried out an emergency return test.

"In case of any emergency during the extravehicular activities, astronauts must return to the airlock cabin quickly, and use the emergency oxygen supply in the cabin to ensure their safety," Wang Yanlei, director of China Astronaut Research and Training Center in Beijing, told China Media Group. "So we need to do the verification."

The Tools 

China's Shenzhou-12 taikonauts were equipped with a variety of high-tech equipment to help them to carry out their first extravehicular mission. Here are some of the tools they worked with:

• Robotic Arm: It is the most intelligent, complex and technologically challenging robotic arm the country has developed, and the first one to function long-term in orbit.
• The Spacesuits: Like a miniature spacecraft, the suit can withstand temperature differences of up to about 300 degrees Celsius, space radiation and many other challenges. 

Check out a further breakdown of all the other technology and gadgets the taikonauts had for their space excursion. 

Why it matters

In an Op-Ed this week published by CGTN, Prof. Bernard Foing, Director of International Lunar Exploration Working Group, explains why he believes that with China's technical and scientific advancement in human space flight and robotic, and partners from with Russia, Europe and the world, there will be opportunities to build a lunar surface research station, and in possible coordination with Artemis and other lunar exploration programs.

For now, he says, the start of Tianhe human operations and today's spacewalk are historical milestones that encourage positively our world towards a space renaissance beyond Earth.

Click here for more of what he had to say!

(Sources: China Report)