Upgraded Spacewalk Suits Delivered | China Space Station
China's Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft successfully delivered two advanced Feitian spacewalk suits to orbit Tuesday, July 15, 2025, marking a technological leap in extravehicular equipment for the country's space station program.
The launch at 05:34 from Wenchang carried 6.5 tonnes of supplies including consumables for astronauts' stay in orbit, propellants, and test equipment. These two upgraded suits feature extended service life and improved performance based on data from previous Chinese spacewalks.
"Following our principle of continuous design optimization, we've established China's first space suit lifespan evaluation system based on data from 42 astronaut participations across 21 spacewalks, combined with extensive ground testing," said Yin Rui, a senior engineer of the Astronaut Center of China.
"Our upgraded Feitian space suits have increased performance metrics. These new suits now last four years and can support 20 spacewalks, compared to the previous three-year, 15-mission lifespan," Yin said.
The refinements come as China develops next-generation "Wangyu" moonwalking suits for future lunar missions with researchers making strides in life support systems and space suit ergonomics.
Alongside routine astronaut provisions and scientific equipment, the mission demonstrates China's steady progress in space technology, with the improved suits expected to facilitate more complex orbital operations.
"As we advance China's manned space program, we're making continuous breakthroughs in efficient regenerative life support systems, ergonomic design, and sensor technology. Stay tuned for our future developments," Yin said.
China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft on April 24, 2025, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission.
Duration: 1 minute
Release Date: July 15, 2025
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