In a significant milestone for China's expanding space program, taikonauts Zhang Lu and Wu Fei successfully completed a series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) aboard the Tiangong space station on Tuesday, December 9th, marking the operational debut of China's next-generation spacesuits. The Shenzhou-21 crew tested the newly delivered D and E model spacesuits during their inaugural spacewalks, demonstrating advanced capabilities that position China's human spaceflight program for increasingly ambitious missions both in low Earth orbit and potentially beyond. This technological advancement represents a crucial step in China's long-term space exploration strategy, which includes plans for sustained orbital operations and future lunar missions.
The successful EVA not only validated the performance of China's second-generation Feitian spacesuits—named after the Buddhist "flying apsaras" celestial beings—but also highlighted the growing sophistication of China's space technology ecosystem. These advanced suits incorporate cutting-edge life support systems, enhanced protective materials, and improved operational capabilities that rival those of established spacefaring nations. The spacewalk also made history by featuring Wu Fei as the youngest Chinese taikonaut to perform an EVA, symbolizing the program's commitment to developing the next generation of space explorers.
Advanced Engineering: Next-Generation Spacesuit Technology
The newly tested spacesuits represent a substantial technological leap forward from their predecessors, incorporating multiple layers of sophisticated engineering designed to protect astronauts in the harsh environment of space. Building upon the foundation of the original Feitian intravehicular activity (IVA) suits, these EVA-specific versions integrate radiation protection systems, advanced thermal insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and comprehensive ultraviolet protection—all critical features for extended operations in the vacuum of space.
One of the most significant innovations is the suit's liquid-cooling system, which maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels inside the pressurized garment. This technology, similar to systems employed by NASA's Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs), circulates temperature-controlled water through a network of tubes integrated into an undergarment worn by the astronaut. The system prevents both overheating during physically demanding tasks and excessive cooling during periods of lower activity, ensuring the taikonaut remains comfortable and focused throughout multi-hour EVA operations.
The suits also feature a backpack-style life-support system that provides breathable oxygen, removes carbon dioxide, and maintains proper suit pressurization—essential functions that enable astronauts to work independently outside the protective confines of their spacecraft. According to specifications from the China Manned Space Engineering Office, these life support systems can sustain an astronaut for extended EVA sessions lasting up to eight hours, comparable to the capabilities of Western spacesuit designs.
Mission Objectives and Spacewalk Activities
During their December 9th EVA, Zhang Lu and Wu Fei executed a carefully choreographed series of tasks designed to maintain and upgrade the Tiangong space station's external systems. The crew successfully installed debris protection devices on vulnerable sections of the station—a critical safety measure given the increasing threat posed by orbital debris in low Earth orbit. Current estimates suggest there are over 130 million pieces of space debris larger than 1 millimeter orbiting Earth, with even small fragments capable of causing catastrophic damage at orbital velocities.
The taikonauts also conducted a thorough inspection of the porthole on the previously docked Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, which had sustained minor damage from a collision with a small piece of space debris. This inspection represents a crucial element of China's space safety protocols, as maintaining the integrity of spacecraft windows and viewing ports is essential for both operational visibility and structural integrity. If deemed necessary during future EVAs, the crew has been trained to implement additional protective measures on the damaged porthole.
Additionally, Lu and Fei replaced the insulation cover on a thermal control adapter, ensuring the station's temperature regulation systems continue operating at peak efficiency. Thermal management is one of the most challenging aspects of spacecraft design, as vehicles in orbit experience extreme temperature fluctuations—from scorching heat when exposed to direct sunlight to frigid cold in Earth's shadow. Maintaining proper insulation on critical components prevents system failures and extends the operational lifespan of station hardware.
Enhanced Operational Capabilities and Service Life
According to officials at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center (CARTC), the new generation of spacesuits boasts significantly improved durability and operational longevity compared to previous models. The suits are designed for an operational lifespan of 20 EVAs within four years of service—a notable upgrade from the previous standard of 15 EVAs over three years. This 33% increase in operational capacity reflects improvements in materials science, manufacturing techniques, and quality control processes that have enhanced the suits' resilience against the degrading effects of the space environment.
"The EVAs fully demonstrated the critical role of human capabilities in extravehicular operations, with the suits providing robust safety assurance for astronauts," stated Zhai Zhihong from the CARTC in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Liu Dongyue, a senior technician at the CARTC, revealed that one of the spacesuits currently in service has already been used 17 times, approaching its designed operational limit while still maintaining full functionality. This track record demonstrates the reliability and durability of Chinese spacesuit engineering, providing confidence for future missions that will demand even more from these critical life support systems.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The December spacewalk held special significance for both crew members involved. For Zhang Lu, this marked his second EVA, following his initial spacewalk that occurred two and a half years earlier. The experience gained from his previous excursion undoubtedly contributed to the mission's smooth execution and provided valuable mentorship for his less experienced crewmate. For Wu Fei, the spacewalk represented a historic achievement, making him the youngest taikonaut to perform an EVA in China's space program history—a distinction that underscores the program's success in training and preparing new generations of space explorers.
The successful test of these advanced spacesuits arrives at a pivotal moment for China's space ambitions. The nation has outlined ambitious plans for its space program, including the expansion of the Tiangong space station, the development of a lunar research station in collaboration with Russia, and potential crewed missions to Mars in the coming decades. These next-generation spacesuits will play an essential role in enabling the complex EVA operations required for such missions, from constructing lunar habitats to maintaining spacecraft during deep-space voyages.
Comparative Analysis with International Spacesuit Technology
China's advancement in spacesuit technology places the nation in an elite group of countries capable of independently developing and manufacturing EVA suits. Currently, only the United States, Russia, and China possess fully operational EVA spacesuit systems for orbital operations. The new Chinese suits incorporate design philosophies and technical solutions that draw from decades of international experience while introducing innovative features tailored to China's specific mission requirements.
The liquid-cooling and ventilation systems employed in the new Feitian suits parallel technologies used in NASA's EMU and Russia's Orlan spacesuits, representing a convergence toward optimal engineering solutions for the common challenges of EVA operations. However, Chinese engineers have also incorporated unique features, including modular components that facilitate easier maintenance and repair, and advanced materials that provide superior protection against the increasingly hazardous orbital debris environment.
Looking Ahead: Scheduled Activities and Long-Term Vision
The Shenzhou-21 crew has additional spacewalks planned for the coming months, during which they will conduct scientific experiments and technological tests designed to validate new procedures and equipment for future missions. These activities will include testing advanced robotic systems, evaluating new materials in the space environment, and practicing complex assembly techniques that may be required for future space station expansions or lunar surface operations.
The China Manned Space Engineering Office has indicated that lessons learned from these EVAs will directly inform the design of future spacesuit iterations, potentially including suits optimized for lunar surface operations where gravitational forces, dust contamination, and different thermal conditions present unique challenges compared to orbital EVAs. The program's methodical approach to testing and validation reflects a commitment to safety and reliability that has characterized China's human spaceflight program since its inception.
As China continues to expand its presence in space, the successful deployment and testing of these advanced spacesuits represents more than just a technological achievement—it symbolizes the nation's growing capabilities and ambitions in human space exploration. With plans for sustained lunar operations, potential Mars missions, and continued expansion of the Tiangong space station, these next-generation spacesuits will serve as essential tools enabling taikonauts to work safely and effectively in the challenging environment beyond Earth's protective atmosphere.
