Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete third spacewalk

China continues to consolidate its presence in space with another success for the Shenzhou-20 mission. The crew aboard the Chinese space station successfully completed its third series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) , marking another major milestone for the country's space program.

According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the trio of astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, worked for approximately six and a half hours, completing all scheduled tasks . During the spacewalk, the astronauts were assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a ground control team.

A photo taken at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center on August 15, 2025, shows Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong (left) and Wang Jie performing spacewalks outside the orbiting Chinese space station. Image credit: Xinhua/Yin Jiajie

The main operations, led by Chen Dong and Wang Jie, included the installation of debris protection devices and external auxiliary structures, as well as the inspection and maintenance of existing equipment outside the module . With the completion of this mission, astronaut Chen Dong achieved a new record, bringing his total number of spacewalks to six, the most for a Chinese astronaut.

The Shenzhou-20 crew has now completed half of its spaceflight and, according to CMSA, is making steady progress in a series of scientific experiments. The next phases of the mission will focus on research and technology testing in key areas such as life sciences in space, fundamental physics in microgravity, space materials science, space medicine, and advanced aerospace technologies .

Credits Cover image Xinhua/Li Yanchen