Chinese astronauts have successfully enhanced the debris shielding of the Tiangong space station during a spacewalk lasting 6.5 hours on August 15, 2025. Two astronauts from the Shenzhou 20 mission, which consists of three crew members, performed the extravehicular activity, concluding at 9:27 a.m. EDT (14:47 UTC, or 10:47 p.m. in Beijing).
This operation marks the second time the Shenzhou 20 crew has undertaken the task of installing “debris protection” devices on the three-module station, following similar efforts on May 22, 2025. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) reported that astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie not only focused on enhancing the station’s defenses but also carried out inspections and maintenance of external equipment.
Significant Milestones in Spacewalk History
During this recent spacewalk, Chen Dong achieved a significant milestone, completing his sixth spacewalk, which is the highest number by any Chinese astronaut. The crew member assisting the duo from within the station was Chen Zhongrui, the third astronaut on the Shenzhou 20 mission.
The mission launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on April 24, 2025, and the astronauts are currently more than halfway through their planned six-month stay in orbit. Throughout their time aboard Tiangong, the crew has engaged in various experiments related to life sciences, microgravity physics, space material science, space medicine, and aerospace technology. According to CMSA, “The space station is operating stably, and the three crew members are in good health,” ahead of the spacewalk.
This extravehicular activity represents the third undertaken by the Shenzhou 20 crew, who have also welcomed the arrival of Tianzhou 9 while witnessing the departure of Tianzhou 8. As the ninth crewed mission to visit the Tiangong station, Shenzhou 20 continues to contribute to China’s growing presence in space exploration.
The Future of Tiangong Space Station
The Tiangong space station is approximately 20% the size of the International Space Station and was fully assembled in October 2022. Future missions may include the addition of more modules, expanding the capabilities of this ambitious project. Chen Dong, who commands the Shenzhou 20 mission, is on his third spaceflight, while both Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie are participating in their first missions.
As the Shenzhou 20 crew continues their work, their contributions not only enhance the operational capacity of the Tiangong space station but also pave the way for further advancements in China’s space exploration efforts.
