Shenzhou XVIII Crew Conducts Emergency Drill on Tiangong Space Station
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 23, 2024

Astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station, part of the Shenzhou XVIII mission, have completed numerous tasks, including an emergency response drill, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).

According to the State broadcaster, following their second spacewalk on July 3, the mission's commander, Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu, along with crew members Lieutenant Colonel Li Guangsu and Lieutenant Colonel Li Cong, undertook several critical assignments. These included the replacement of an old experimental device, performing mental health evaluations, and conducting an "all-system emergency response exercise" with ground control.

During the exercise, the astronauts simulated a scenario where the space station was impacted by space debris, causing a loss of pressure. Upon the activation of the pressure alarm, the crew assessed the alarm status and determined the necessary actions. They promptly donned oxygen masks and searched for potential leaks.

With the assistance of ground controllers, the crew successfully identified and sealed all the "leaks," as reported by CCTV.

Launched on April 25 aboard a Long March 2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Shenzhou XVIII team is the seventh group to inhabit the Tiangong space station. They arrived at the station the following day, relieving the Shenzhou XVII crew.

The astronauts have conducted two spacewalks so far, focusing on installing space debris shields and inspecting extravehicular equipment. With nearly half of their mission completed, the crew will continue to carry out various scientific experiments and technological tests for the remainder of their stay, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The Tiangong space station, completed in late 2022, stands as one of the most significant and intricate structures ever constructed in space. Positioned approximately 400 kilometers above Earth, the station consists of a core module and two science capsules and is frequently visited by crew and cargo spacecraft.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

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China Manned Space Agency
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