Shenzhou-20 Crew Completes Spacewalk; Hong Kong Astronaut Lai Jia-ying Joins Historic Mission
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Shenzhou-20 crew successfully completed a 5.5-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) on July 28, 2025, with astronauts Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan performing critical maintenance tasks outside the Tiangong Space Station. Commander Zhu, who previously conducted a spacewalk three years ago, and Zhang, on his first EVA, worked together to repair solar panels and install debris protection equipment, supported by the space station's robotic arm and ground control teams. Hong Kong astronaut Lai Jia-ying coordinated the operations from inside the Tianhe core module, contributing to the mission's圆满 success.
Key Points
- The EVA began at 1:59 PM on July 28 and lasted approximately 5.5 hours before both astronauts safely returned to the Tianhe core module
- This marked China's second-ever solar panel outdoor repair mission, ensuring the space station's power supply safety and stability
- Commander Zhu Yangzhu conducted his second spacewalk, having previously performed one during the Shenzhou-16 mission approximately three years ago
- Astronaut Zhang Zhiyuan executed his first EVA, achieving a significant milestone in his career as a new-generation Chinese astronaut
- The crew has been aboard the space station for over three months since docking on May 25, completing orbital rotations, cargo missions, and emergency drills
Why It Matters
The successful EVA demonstrates China's growing capabilities in space station maintenance and operations, with the solar panel repairs being crucial for ensuring continuous power supply to the orbital laboratory. For Hong Kong, the participation of Lai Jia-ying underscores the city's increasing role in the nation's space ambitions, with the astronaut's coordination work setting the stage for potential future EVA assignments .
The successful EVA demonstrates China's growing capabilities in space station maintenance and operations, with the solar panel repairs being crucial for ensuring continuous power supply to the orbital laboratory. For Hong Kong, the participation of Lai Jia-ying underscores the city's increasing role in the nation's space ambitions, with the astronaut's coordination work setting the stage for potential future EVA assignments .