Beijing is steadily expanding its capabilities in low Earth orbit, and yesterday’s successful extravehicular activity (EVA) by the Shenzhou-21 crew marks a significant step forward – not just for China’s space program, but for the evolving dynamics of space infrastructure and potential commercialization. While spacewalks are routine for established programs like NASA and Roscosmos, China’s rapid progress demonstrates a clear ambition to become a leading space power, and a competitor in the emerging orbital economy.
- First EVA of Shenzhou-21: The crew of three completed an eight-hour spacewalk, focusing on maintenance and inspection of the orbiting space station.
- Youngest Spacewalker: Wu Fei became the youngest Chinese astronaut to perform an EVA, signaling a new generation of Chinese space explorers.
- Damage Assessment: The mission included preliminary work related to potential repairs of damage to the Shenzhou-20 return capsule, highlighting the risks inherent in space travel.
China’s space station, Tiangong, has been continuously inhabited since late 2021. This latest mission builds on a consistent pattern of upgrades, maintenance, and scientific experiments. The tasks performed by Zhang Lu and Wu Fei – inspecting the Shenzhou-20 capsule’s viewport, installing debris protection, and replacing thermal control components – are all critical for the long-term viability of the station. The focus on debris protection is particularly noteworthy, given the increasing amount of space junk orbiting Earth, which poses a growing threat to all space assets. The Shenzhou-20 capsule damage, while not detailed in this report, underscores the vulnerability of spacecraft to micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
The inclusion of scientific experiments and technical tests during the Shenzhou-21 mission is also a key indicator of China’s broader goals. Beyond simply maintaining a presence in space, China is actively pursuing research in areas like materials science, biology, and astronomy, leveraging the unique environment of low Earth orbit. This research is likely aimed at both civilian applications and potential military advantages.
The Forward Look
The next phase for China’s space program is likely to involve further expansion of Tiangong’s capabilities, potentially including the addition of new modules. More importantly, we can expect to see increased emphasis on commercial applications. China has already signaled its intention to open Tiangong to international collaborations and potentially even space tourism. The success of missions like Shenzhou-21 is crucial for building confidence in the station’s reliability and safety, which are essential for attracting commercial investment. The potential for in-space manufacturing and servicing of satellites also looms large. The fact that the crew is prepared to undertake protective operations on the Shenzhou-20 capsule suggests a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to adapt to unforeseen challenges – a critical trait for any nation seeking to establish a long-term presence in space. Expect to see increased competition between China and established players like SpaceX in the orbital services market in the coming years.
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