Core Points - The Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew, consisting of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, is set to conduct their third extravehicular activity (EVA) soon after nearly five months in space [1] - The crew has successfully completed two EVAs, setting records for the shortest interval between entering the Chinese space station and the first EVA [3] - Chen Dong has become the first astronaut to complete EVAs from both the Wentian and Tianhe modules [5] Summary by Sections Extravehicular Activities - The first EVA was completed on May 22, marking a significant achievement shortly after the crew's arrival at the space station [1] - The second EVA was successfully conducted on June 26, marking the reopening of the node module's airlock after over three years [7] Tasks Accomplished - During the recent EVA, the crew installed the seventh space debris protection device, conducted inspections, and received supplies from the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft, which delivered approximately 6.5 tons of materials [9] - The crew also managed the unpacking and maintenance of two new extravehicular suits, enhancing their operational capabilities [11] New Equipment and Experiments - The new extravehicular suits have a design life increased from three years and 15 missions to four years and 20 missions, indicating advancements in technology [12] - New experiments in plant cultivation and various aerospace medical studies are underway, alongside the operation of an intelligent flying robot named "Xiaohang" for collaborative experiments [14]

Group 1 - The Shenzhou 20 astronaut crew has been in orbit for 90 days, with astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie nearing the midpoint of their mission [1] - Today marks the third anniversary of the launch of the Wentian laboratory module, which Chen Dong witnessed during its launch [3] - The Shenzhou 20 manned spacecraft was successfully launched on April 24, 2025, by the Long March 2F Yao 20 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center [5] Group 2 - The Shenzhou 20 crew entered the "space home" and immediately began their work, focusing on life sciences, microgravity physics, and new space technologies during their 90-day mission [9] - Various tasks such as docking, medical rescue, emergency training, and system pressure drills are being conducted as planned [11] - Routine activities include environmental monitoring, equipment maintenance, inventory management, medical checks, and exercise [13][14] Group 3 - The crew conducted their first spacewalk on May 22, where they installed a space debris protection device and performed inspections [16][18] - This was the first time astronauts exited through the core module's node cabin, and Chen Zhongrui completed his first spacewalk [18] - On June 26, the crew successfully completed their second spacewalk, which lasted approximately 6.5 hours, enhancing the efficiency of future spacewalks by about 40 minutes [20][21] Group 4 - On July 8, the Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft separated from the space station, transitioning to independent flight [23] - The crew confirmed the status of the docking passage and watched the launch of the Tianzhou 9 cargo spacecraft, which delivered approximately 6.5 tons of supplies, including scientific experiment materials and space suits [25][27] - The Shenzhou 20 crew's 90-day mission has been fulfilling and exciting, with hopes for successful future work and updates from the "Tiangong" [29]

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch and docking of the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft marks a significant advancement in China's space logistics capabilities, enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of the country's space station program [1]. Group 1: Key Highlights of the Mission - The Tianzhou-9 spacecraft carried approximately 6.5 tons of supplies, setting a new record for cargo weight delivered to the space station [2]. - Notable cargo included two new sets of extravehicular spacesuits, which have an improved lifespan of four years and twenty uses, compared to the previous three years and fifteen uses [2]. - The mission also expanded the variety of space food, adding nearly 30 new dishes, bringing the total to over 190, thus extending the food supply cycle from seven to ten days [2]. - A total of 776.5 kilograms of scientific experiment-related materials were sent, covering 23 scientific experiments in fields such as space life sciences and microgravity fluid physics [2]. Group 2: Technological Innovations in Docking - The Tianzhou-9 achieved a fully autonomous docking with the Chinese space station, marking the third implementation of a three-hour docking procedure, which is now the standard for future missions [3]. - This docking method reduces the requirements for rocket launch conditions and enhances mission reliability compared to previous methods [3]. - The mission faced new challenges, including docking at a new orbital altitude and under specific solar angle conditions, which were addressed through extensive data analysis and simulations [3]. Group 3: Future Directions for Space Logistics - The Tianzhou cargo spacecraft is recognized as one of the most capable cargo transporters in the world, supporting space station operations and scientific experiments [4]. - The Tianzhou-9 mission also included two experimental payloads aimed at testing new space technologies to improve overall mission efficiency [5]. - The development of additional cargo spacecraft, such as the Qingzhou and Haolong, is underway, which will enhance the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of China's space logistics system [5].

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft by the Long March 7 Yao-10 rocket marks a significant advancement in China's space station logistics, enhancing the capabilities for transporting supplies and conducting scientific experiments in space [2][3]. Group 1: Launch and Mission Details - The Tianzhou-9 spacecraft was launched on July 15, 2025, carrying approximately 6.5 tons of supplies, including materials for astronauts and various experimental samples [2]. - The spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module of the Chinese space station, demonstrating improved emergency launch capabilities with a three-month readiness for emergency missions [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The Tianzhou-9 employs a rapid rendezvous and docking mode, achieving a three-hour docking process that balances efficiency and reliability, integrating the advantages of previous docking methods [3]. - The spacecraft is equipped with advanced communication and control systems, including transponders and telemetry devices, ensuring accurate navigation and status monitoring during its mission [5][6]. Group 3: Scientific Contributions - The mission includes 23 scientific experiments across various fields such as space life sciences, material sciences, and microgravity fluid physics, aimed at understanding the effects of microgravity on biological processes [8][9]. - New equipment for core muscle training and a variety of space food, including nearly 30 new dishes, were sent to support astronaut health and nutrition during long missions [4][7]. Group 4: Future Implications - The successful execution of the Tianzhou-9 mission is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of supply missions to the Chinese space station, paving the way for future advancements in space exploration and technology [2][3].

Core Points - The Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft was successfully launched by the Long March 7 Yao-10 rocket, marking a significant achievement in China's space logistics [1] - The cargo weight of Tianzhou-9 reached approximately 6.5 tons, setting a new record for cargo transport to the space station, which will support long-term operations and astronaut residency [1] Group 1 - The Tianzhou-9 mission included two sets of upgraded extravehicular spacesuits, with an extended lifespan from 3 years and 15 missions to 4 years and 20 missions [3] - Three new cell biology experiment samples were sent aboard, focusing on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, heart failure cells, and humanized vascular organ models for aging research [5] - A core muscle exercise device was included in the mission, designed to prevent muscle atrophy during long-duration flights and improve astronauts' re-adaptation to gravity [6] Group 2 - The total amount of space food sent with Tianzhou-9 exceeded 1.5 tons, with nearly 30 new dishes added, increasing the total variety to over 190 and extending the food supply cycle from 7 days to 10 days [8]