Shenzhou-20 Astronaut Completes Successful Extravehicular Activities with Advanced Spacesuit

On August 15, 2025, a notable image from the Beijing Aerospace Control Center highlighted the Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong as he engaged in extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside China’s orbiting space station. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the crew of Shenzhou-20 successfully completed their third series of EVAs during their mission, showcasing the progress of China’s space program.

The spacesuit B, which Chen Dong donned during the EVAs, has now aided in 20 spacewalks, making it the first extravehicular suit on China's space station to meet its life expectancy goals within a four-year timeframe. According to sources from Xinhua and the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, this particular suit has been utilized by 11 astronauts across eight manned missions. Continuous evaluations indicate that the suit remains in excellent condition, which is crucial for maintaining high standards in spacesuit engineering and facilitating routine spacewalks.

The second-generation "Feitian" extravehicular spacesuit is designed for longevity, with an operational life established at three years and a minimum of 15 spacewalks. As the current suits approach their designated limits, the research team has implemented a comprehensive health monitoring and life evaluation program to determine their remaining utility. Following rigorous testing and analysis of both in-orbit performance and ground metrics, they have arrived at reliable assessments regarding the suits' health status.

In July, the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft brought new supplies to the space station, including two additional sets of the second-generation Feitian suits, labeled D and E. These new suits have been thoroughly inspected and deemed ready for forthcoming EVAs. Building on the advancements over the first-generation models, the second-generation suits boast significant technological improvements, such as extended durability, enhanced safety features, and greater efficiency in supporting astronauts during their missions.

Experts, like Wang Yanan from Aerospace Knowledge magazine, characterize spacesuits as compact, individual spacecraft. They play vital roles in ensuring a suitable environment for astronaut survival, maintaining airtightness, and protecting against the harsh conditions of space. Wang notes that advancements in material science and manufacturing techniques have led to improved surfaces that enhance durability while preserving performance through repeated use, alongside innovations in design that provide thermal insulation and shields against radiation and small debris in orbit.