The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission awarded the Second Class Space Merit Medal to Cai Xuzhe and granted Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze the title of “Hero Astronaut” along with the Third Class Space Merit Medal.

Since arriving at Tiangong in October 2024, the crew members have conducted three extravehicular activities, completed six cargo transfer tasks through the airlock chamber, and carried out more than 90 space station construction, upgrade, and maintenance activities.

According to official data, she set a world record with a nine-hour spacewalk and built the first quantum simulation laboratory with an optical network in space, a milestone in the country’s technological independence.

Cai Xuzhe has participated in two space missions and has accumulated five spacewalks, making him the Chinese astronaut with the most extravehicular activities.

Song Lingdong, meanwhile, carried out three spacewalks during his maiden flight, making him the first astronaut of the 1990s generation to carry out activities outside the station.

Wang Haoze was the first female spaceflight engineer to enter the Chinese space station.

The official announcement highlighted the three astronauts’ commitment, courage, and dedication to serving the country.

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