Chinese astronauts conduct second spacewalk on Shenzhou-13
In space since October 16, 2021, a crew of Chinese astronauts embark on their second spacewalk to continue the construction of China's orbital station, Tiangong.
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Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing on Oct. 16, 2021: Zhai Zhigang in the center, Wang Yaping on the right, and Ye Guangfu on the left. (Xinhua)
Two crew members aboard the Chinese Shenzhou-13 space flight have entered open space for the second time to continue the construction of China’s orbital station, Tiangong, according to China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.
The crew comprises of one of the first female astronauts to board the Chinese orbital station, Wang Yaping, the commander Zhai Zhigang, and another astronaut on his first mission Ye Guangfu. The crew has been staying at the Tiangong space station since October 16 for China's longest space mission, which will last 6 months.
Two crew members will be roaming in open space, while another one will be operating from inside the spacecraft. Yaping will be operating from within the spacecraft.
The first spacewalk, which was on November 7, tested the functions of China's extravehicular spacesuits, as well as the reliability and safety of the complementary equipment which go hand-in-hand with the extravehicular activities.
Since October 16, the crew has successfully completed a number of tasks which include medical checks, space experiments, daily maintenance of the space station, emergency evacuation, medical rescues, and space lectures.
The space station has started construction in April 2021 and is expected to finish in 2022.
