Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete third series of extravehicular activities

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 15, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong performing extravehicular activities outside China's orbiting space station. The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).(Xinhua/Li Yanchen)

The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The astronaut trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie -- worked for approximately six-and-a-half hours and completed all related tasks at 10:47 p.m. (Beijing Time), assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a ground control team.

Chen Dong and Wang Jie, tasked with conducting spacewalk operations, completed the installation of debris protection devices and auxiliary extravehicular facilities, as well as the inspection and maintenance of external equipment, according to the CMSA.

To date, Chen Dong has completed six rounds of extravehicular activities, meaning he has conducted the most spacewalk tasks of any Chinese astronaut.

The Shenzhou-20 astronauts have now completed half of their spaceflight journey. The crew is currently making steady progress in various space science experiments.

Next, they will focus on research and technology tests in key areas such as the space life sciences, microgravity fundamental physics, space materials science, space medicine and advanced aerospace technologies, the agency said. ■

This video snapshot captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 15, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong (L) and Wang Jie performing extravehicular activities outside China's orbiting space station. The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).(Xinhua/Yin Jiajie)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 15, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong (L) and Wang Jie preparing to leave China's orbiting space station for extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).(Xinhua/Li Yanchen)

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 15, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Wang Jie leaving China's orbiting space station for extravehicular activities. The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).(Xinhua/Li Yanchen)

Quelle: Xinhua

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Tiangong space station taikonauts gain AI support

The three taikonauts on China's orbiting Tiangong space station recently completed their third spacewalk. Unlike their previous missions, they had a new assistant this time around, namely an AI model.

Named after Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, the large-scale artificial intelligence model called Wukong AI was delivered to the Chinese space station by the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft on July 15, along with new-generation spacesuits, fresh fruits and other supplies for the crew in orbit, the China Astronaut Research and Training Center said on Saturday.

Built on a home-grown open-source AI model, Wukong AI is designed to meet the requirements of manned space missions. It has developed a large language model tailored for professional fields and features a knowledge base centered on aerospace flight standards.

The Shenzhou-20 crew members in orbit had already used this AI model to assist in preparations for this past Friday's extravehicular activities. Commander Chen Dong and taikonaut Wang Jie asked Wukong AI for the work schedule a day before conducting their third spacewalk. The AI system quickly replied with relevant links and guidance.

"The content it offered is highly comprehensive," Wang said.

This marks the first time that China's space station has applied and verified large-scale AI model technology. Wukong AI has been operating stably in orbit for one month, while the Shenzhou-20 taikonauts have given positive feedback, said Zou Pengfei, a center staff member.

Zou highlighted that Wukong AI combines both ground and space models in an intelligent question-answering system, with the ground model offering in-depth analysis and the orbiting one solving critical and complex challenges.

In addition, this space-grade AI can deliver fast and accurate support through scenario-based data processing, optimization techniques and customized search strategies. Another feature of the system is that it can be quickly reconfigured and expanded to handle mission planning, data analysis and smart forecasting.

"This system can provide rapid and effective information support for complex operations and fault handling by crew members, improving work efficiency, in-orbit psychological support and coordination between space and ground teams," Zou said.

According to footage released by Chinese media outlets, the AI's interface features a cartoon Monkey King wearing a spacesuit, floating above Earth. The orbiting space station can be seen drifting next to him, while a greeting above his head reads: "Hello, I'm Wukong."

In the classic novel "Journey to the West," Sun Wukong is a symbol of agility and intelligence.

The Shenzhou-20 crew, consisting of commander Chen Dong and taikonauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, successfully completed their third spacewalk on Friday. The mission lasted approximately 6.5 hours and was conducted through coordinated efforts between the in-orbit robotic arm and the ground control team, the China Manned Space Agency said.

Quelle: Xinhua

Raumfahrt - Chinas Space Station CSS - Mission Update 23

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