China Voices

Shenzhou-23 astronauts complete first series of extravehicular activities

Xinhua | August 29, 2026

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 28, 2026 shows Shenzhou-23 astronaut Zhu Yangzhu (L) and Zhang Zhiyuan preparing for extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-23 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The astronaut trio -- Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan and Li Jiaying -- worked for approximately 5.5 hours and completed their tasks at 1:59 p.m. (Beijing Time), assisted by the space station's robotic arm and ground support teams. Zhu, who previously spacewalked three years ago, made his second excursion, while Zhang ventured outside for the first time.

Zhu and Zhang installed debris shields and repaired the station's solar panels, ensuring the safety and stability of its power supply, according to the CMSA. This is the second time Chinese astronauts have performed such in-orbit maintenance tasks. (Photo by Yu Liqiang/Xinhua)

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