Spacesuit milestone reached with 20 spacewalks on Chinese station

The extravehicular spacesuit B aboard China's space station has achieved a major milestone by supporting 20 spacewalks, according to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. Astronaut Chen Dong most recently used the suit on Aug 15 during the Shenzhou XX crew's third series of extravehicular activities.

This accomplishment marks the first time a Chinese spacesuit has met its extended service goal of sustaining 20 EVAs within four years. The suit has been worn by 11 astronauts across eight manned missions, demonstrating both reliability and durability.

An EVA suit is essential for astronaut safety and productivity during operations outside the cabin. China's second-generation Feitian spacesuit is designed for three years of orbital storage and at least 15 EVAs, surpassing the original specifications in the case of suit B.

In addition to extending use, the spacesuit program also represents China's first in-orbit assessment of product lifespan. New EVA suits, designated D and E, were delivered by the Tianzhou 9 cargo craft on July 15. After inspection, both were found in good condition and will gradually replace older units in upcoming missions.

The second-generation Feitian suits introduce key technological upgrades compared with the first generation, offering enhanced safety, extended durability, and greater efficiency for astronaut tasks. These advances strengthen EVA support during both the construction and long-term operation of the space station, Zhang Wanxin of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center noted.