Core Points - The Chinese space station's extravehicular suit B has successfully completed 20 extravehicular activities during 8 manned missions, marking it as the first retired extravehicular suit of China's space station [1] - The suit, which weighs over 100 kilograms, was launched on May 29, 2021, and was designed for a lifespan of 3 years with a minimum of 15 extravehicular activities [1] - The suit exceeded its design lifespan and achieved a remarkable "4 years and 20 times" extension goal, setting a world record for a single extravehicular activity lasting 9 hours [1] Summary by Sections Extravehicular Suit B - Extravehicular suit B is the first retired suit of China's space station, having completed 20 extravehicular activities [1] - It was launched aboard the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft and is part of China's second-generation "Feitian" extravehicular suits [1] - The suit's design included a storage period of 3 years and a minimum of 15 extravehicular activities, which it surpassed [1] Achievements - The suit has supported 20 extravehicular activities across 8 manned missions, achieving a world record for the longest single extravehicular activity at 9 hours [1] - It has successfully met the extended usage goal of "4 years and 20 times" [1] Farewell from Astronauts - The Shenzhou-21 crew recorded a farewell video for the suit, highlighting its significance as a protective gear in space [2] - Astronauts expressed their gratitude and respect for the suit's performance during missions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The return of the space suit B with the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft marks a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts, showcasing advancements in space suit technology and the successful execution of multiple extravehicular activities by astronauts [1][2]. Group 1 - Space suit B is the first batch of in-orbit space suits for the Chinese space station and represents the second generation of China's "Feitian" space suits, having been launched on May 29, 2021, with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft [1]. - The suit has supported 20 extravehicular activities, highlighting its critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of astronauts during their missions [1]. - Astronaut Zhang Lu, who first realized his dream of flying in space on November 29, 2022, wore this suit during four extravehicular activities over six months, emphasizing its reliability and performance [1]. Group 2 - After the return of space suit B with the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, it will be disassembled and packaged for further research, contributing to advancements in space suit technology and the future of manned space exploration [2].

Core Viewpoint - The main mission of China's space station emergency action has been successfully completed with the safe return of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft on January 19, 2026, marking a significant achievement in China's manned spaceflight program [3][4]. Group 1: Mission Completion - The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft successfully landed at the Dongfeng landing site at 9:34 AM on January 19, 2026, confirming the overall normal condition of the spacecraft and its internal items [3]. - The spacecraft was launched on April 24, 2025, and had a total in-orbit duration of 270 days, validating its capability for a 9-month stay in orbit [3][4]. - The mission faced a delay in return due to suspected impact from space debris, leading to the implementation of emergency measures and the successful return of the crew aboard Shenzhou-21 on November 14, 2025 [4]. Group 2: Search and Recovery Operations - The search and recovery operation for the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft utilized an unmanned mode for the first time, incorporating drone and unmanned vehicle teams, which replaced traditional helicopter units [5][6]. - The search teams quickly arrived at the landing site and successfully located the spacecraft, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new unmanned search model [5][6]. Group 3: Extravehicular Suit Retirement - The Shenzhou-20 mission also marked the retirement of China's first set of extravehicular suits, which had successfully supported 20 extravehicular activities [7][8]. - The extravehicular suit, weighing over 100 kilograms, was designed for a lifespan of three years and had exceeded its usage expectations by completing 20 extravehicular activities [8][9]. - The suit's successful performance in various missions has provided valuable data for future developments in space suit technology [11]. Group 4: Future Developments - The data and experiences gained from the Shenzhou-20 mission and the retired extravehicular suit will contribute to the development of future space suits, including the lunar exploration suit [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful return of China's first retired space station extravehicular suit, which has completed its mission and exceeded its design lifespan, marking a significant achievement in China's space exploration efforts [1] Group 1: Extravehicular Suit Details - The extravehicular suit B, weighing over 100 kilograms, was launched into the Chinese space station on May 29, 2021, aboard the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft [1] - It is the first batch of in-orbit extravehicular suits for the Chinese space station and represents the second generation of China's "Feitian" extravehicular suits, designed for a lifespan of three years with at least 15 extravehicular activities [1] - The suit has successfully supported 20 extravehicular activities across 8 manned flight missions, setting a world record for a single extravehicular activity lasting 9 hours [1] Group 2: Future Research and Development - Following its return, the extravehicular suit B will undergo a series of tests and analyses to provide valuable data for future in-orbit longevity and design improvements [1] - Research will focus on in-orbit maintenance, repair design, reliability enhancement, and understanding the degradation of materials and structures [1] - This research is expected to lay a solid foundation for the development of lunar exploration suits [1]

Core Viewpoint - The return of the space suit B with the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft marks a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts, showcasing advancements in space suit technology and the successful execution of multiple extravehicular activities by astronauts [1][2]. Group 1 - Space suit B is the first batch of extravehicular suits in orbit for the Chinese space station and represents the second generation of China's "Feitian" space suits, having been launched on May 29, 2021, with the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft [1]. - The suit has supported 20 extravehicular activities, highlighting its critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of astronauts during their missions [1]. - Astronaut Zhang Lu, who first realized his dream of flying in space on November 29, 2022, has worn this suit during four extravehicular activities over the past six months [1]. Group 2 - After the return of space suit B with the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, it will be disassembled and packed for further research, contributing to advancements in space suit technology and the manned spaceflight program [2].