BY:SpaceEyeNews.
👉 Shenzhou-20 Extravehicular Activities Strengthen China Space Station
On August 15, 2025, China’s Shenzhou-20 crew achieved a breakthrough in extravehicular activities at the Tiangong space station, completing their third EVA in orbit. The six-and-a-half-hour mission combined record-setting achievements, new technology, and critical data collection, highlighting the growing capabilities of China’s human spaceflight program. The operation lasted approximately six and a half hours, with astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie stepping outside to perform tasks while Chen Zhongrui remained inside the Tianhe core module to provide support.
This EVA was not only a routine operation but also a breakthrough in efficiency and technological innovation. It combined record-setting achievements, new tools, and the collection of critical thermal data, laying the groundwork for safer and more advanced space station operations in the future.
👉 Record EVA: Shenzhou-20 Crew Advances Extravehicular Activities
The spacewalk began at around 16:00 Beijing time, when Chen Dong opened the airlock of the Wentian laboratory module and moved outside. For Chen, this EVA represented his sixth career spacewalk, making him the most experienced Chinese astronaut in extravehicular operations to date. His repeated participation highlights the value of accumulated knowledge and practice, both of which contribute to safer and more productive missions.
At 16:50, Chen was joined by astronaut Wang Jie, who performed his first-ever EVA. This was a historic moment, as Wang became only the second Chinese aerospace flight engineer to complete an extravehicular mission. His inclusion in this spacewalk illustrates the program’s efforts to integrate younger astronauts into critical roles, ensuring continuity and expanding the pool of EVA-trained crew members.
Inside the Tianhe core module, Chen Zhongrui monitored systems, relayed information, and maintained coordination with ground control. His support was indispensable, allowing the two external astronauts to focus entirely on their assignments without interruption.
👉 New Equipment Boosts Shenzhou-20 Extravehicular Activities
One of the defining features of this EVA was the first operational use of an automated foot restraint installed on the space station’s robotic arm. This tool, previously mounted during an earlier mission, was employed in a live working environment for the first time.
Chen Dong used the restraint to anchor himself securely, enabling him to conduct inspections with both a thermal imager and a camera. According to engineers from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, this device significantly improved stability and efficiency. By freeing the astronaut from the need to constantly readjust his position, it allowed him to devote full attention to technical tasks. The result was faster, more accurate, and safer inspections of external systems.
👉 China Space Station Protected During Shenzhou-20 Extravehicular Activities
The astronauts also completed the installation of debris protection devices and auxiliary structural components. These enhancements highlight the importance of Shenzhou-20 extravehicular activities China space station, as they strengthen Tiangong against micrometeoroids and debris while extending the platform’s long-term safety. Even particles smaller than a grain of sand can cause damage when traveling at orbital speeds. By reinforcing vulnerable areas of the station, the crew strengthened Tiangong’s overall resilience.
These protective measures ensure that both the station’s systems and its scientific payloads remain safe, reducing the risk of disruption to ongoing experiments and prolonging the lifespan of vital equipment. The upgrades represent a proactive approach to orbital maintenance — preparing for potential challenges before they can impact operations.
👉 Thermal Data from Shenzhou-20 Extravehicular Activities
Another important aspect of the EVA was the collection of thermal characteristics data from external station components. Space exposes hardware to intense temperature swings: scorching heat in direct sunlight and extreme cold when in shadow. Over time, these conditions can stress materials, affecting performance and durability.
By capturing real-time measurements with thermal imaging tools, the astronauts provided engineers on the ground with valuable insights into how equipment behaves in actual orbital conditions. This data will support improvements in thermal control technologies, better insulation designs, and longer-lasting spacecraft components. According to mission engineers, this information will be directly applied to the development of next-generation spacecraft and future exploration systems.
👉 Smooth Coordination in Shenzhou-20 China Space Station EVA
The success of the EVA was not just about equipment and tasks; it was also about coordination. This spacewalk demonstrated seamless cooperation among the astronauts, the robotic arm, and the ground control team. Each role was executed with precision: Chen Dong as the experienced lead, Wang Jie as the capable newcomer, and Chen Zhongrui as the internal operator ensuring all systems functioned correctly.
Such coordinated efforts highlight the increasing maturity of China’s human spaceflight program. The ability to manage complex EVAs with both seasoned and new astronauts shows that the program is building depth and flexibility — key attributes for sustaining long-duration missions.
👉 Shenzhou-20 Extravehicular Activities Lay Groundwork for Science
With the third EVA completed, the Shenzhou-20 mission has now reached its halfway point. The astronauts are shifting focus to a wide range of scientific and technological experiments that will define the remainder of their six-month stay.
Space Life Sciences
The crew will monitor how the human body adapts to prolonged microgravity. Their studies include tracking cardiovascular health, muscle function, bone density, and immune system responses. They will also investigate how cell growth and neurological activity are affected by weightlessness. The findings will inform the design of medical countermeasures for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
Microgravity Physics
In Tiangong’s unique environment, the astronauts will study the behaviors of fluids, gases, and plasma. These experiments can reveal processes not observable on Earth, contributing to advances in propulsion technologies, energy transfer systems, and space-based communications.
Materials Science
The astronauts will also conduct materials exposure tests. New alloys, composites, and coatings will be studied to see how they perform under radiation, vacuum, and temperature extremes. Results could guide the design of more durable materials for spacecraft, lunar bases, and future Mars habitats.
Space Medicine
Another focus is medical research. By combining exercise routines with advanced monitoring, the astronauts will test strategies to maintain physical health in microgravity. This research could also benefit healthcare on Earth, particularly in areas like osteoporosis and muscle degeneration.
Technology Demonstrations
Finally, the crew will test new onboard systems, refine the use of the station’s robotic arm, and evaluate next-generation aerospace technologies. Each test reduces uncertainty for upcoming missions, including planned crewed lunar landings later this decade.
👉 China Space Station Progress Through Shenzhou-20 EVA
The success of the third EVA directly supports these experiments. By installing protective devices, confirming the resilience of external systems, and gathering detailed data, the astronauts created a stable and secure environment for the months of science ahead. The EVA was not an isolated event but a foundation-building exercise that ensures the reliability of Tiangong as a laboratory in orbit.
Broader Implications
The Shenzhou-20 EVA carries meaning beyond immediate tasks. It shows how China is steadily refining its capabilities in orbital maintenance, astronaut training, and station management. Chen Dong’s record-setting sixth spacewalk illustrates the depth of operational experience now accumulated, while Wang Jie’s successful debut represents the expanding skills of a younger astronaut generation. Together, their achievements reflect both continuity and progress.
Moreover, the integration of new tools like the automated foot restraint signals a forward-looking approach to EVA operations. Each innovation shortens task times, increases safety, and prepares the program for more demanding challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the Shenzhou-20 crew continues their mission, their work aboard Tiangong is helping transform the station into a fully operational research hub. The data and experience gathered from this EVA will ripple outward into future projects, from advanced spacecraft design to preparations for lunar exploration.
The combination of scientific research, medical studies, materials testing, and technology demonstrations will make Tiangong a cornerstone of China’s space strategy. And with every successful EVA, the station becomes not just a platform for experiments but a stepping stone toward more ambitious goals in space exploration.
Conclusion
The Shenzhou-20 extravehicular activities China space station mission was more than routine work — it became a breakthrough that combined efficiency, innovation, and record-setting achievement. From the first operational use of the automated foot restraint to the collection of vital thermal data, the mission underscored Tiangong’s growing role as a reliable and advanced orbital laboratory.
With half of their mission still ahead, the astronauts are now poised to conduct groundbreaking research in life sciences, physics, materials, and medicine. Each success moves Tiangong closer to its goal: serving as a permanent platform that supports both immediate science and long-term exploration.
As China continues to expand its presence in orbit, the lessons of Shenzhou-20’s third EVA will resonate far beyond Tiangong, shaping the future of human activity in space.
References:
https://english.news.cn/20250816/1cc8cc54147046ffb128d0356d8a8d9c/c.html
https://www.friendsofnasa.org/2025/08/shenzhou-20-crew-performs-critical-work.html?m=1