Well-equipped spacesuits safeguard Shenzhou-19 crew in extravehicular activities

A highly advanced, fully equipped spacesuit provides vital support for the Shenzhou-19 crew aboard China's space station during their extravehicular activities (EVAs), ensuring operational efficiency and safety for the astronauts during their spacewalks.

Shenzhou-19 crew members successfully completed their third extravehicular activities (EVAs) at 20:50 (Beijing Time) on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The extravehicular spacesuit they used, named Feitian, which means "flying into space", is the most important piece of equipment for spacewalk tasks. In addition to all the functions of an intravehicular spacesuit, it includes the features such as radiation protection, heat insulation, micrometeorite shielding, and ultraviolet protection, while ensuring reliable performance and telemetry communication.

Furthermore, the suit is equipped with a liquid cooling system to maintain thermal balance and a backpack-style life support system. These functions provide astronauts with appropriate atmospheric pressure, sufficient oxygen, and optimal temperature and humidity during their extravehicular activities.

"The extravehicular spacesuit is more intricate than the spacesuit worn inside the spacecraft. It has more layers to meet the demands of spacewalks. In addition to ensuring a proper pressure differential which helps astronauts survive in space, the suit also includes a system to regulate temperature effectively," said Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation.

The second-generation "Feitian" extravehicular spacesuit, currently used by Chinese astronauts, weighs about 130 kg and costs around 30 million yuan (about 4.14 million U.S. dollars) per suit.

Two astronauts spent more than seven hours outside the space station to complete a series of tasks during the Shenzhou-19 crew's third spacewalk. Considering the long duration of these extravehicular missions and the great physical exertion involved, the spacesuit is designed with built-in provisions for food and water to ensure the astronauts' energy supply during their extravehicular tasks.

"The astronaut helmet is equipped with a drinking tube on one side, allowing them to drink when they're thirsty. On the other side, there is a compartment for food energy bars, tailored to the mission's requirements. These provisions are typically designed to provide high-calorie, high-energy sustenance to help the astronauts maintain their strength during the spacewalks," said Yang.

Well-equipped spacesuits safeguard Shenzhou-19 crew in extravehicular activities

Officials from the European Union (EU) and Finland have voiced concerns after the White House said it has been discussing "a range of options" to acquire Greenland, including the use of the military.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a press briefing in Cairo on Thursday that the message from the U.S. is "extremely concerning," and "not really helping the stability of the world."

Kallas called on all parties to stick to international law, adding that relevant response measures has been discussed among EU members.

"The international law is very clear, and we have to stick to it. It is clear that it is the only thing that protects smaller countries, and that is why it is in the interest of all of us. And we discussed this today, as well, that we uphold the international law on all levels," she said.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on Thursday described recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration on Greenland as "worrying," while reiterating Finland's support for Denmark and Greenland's right to self-determination.

"Finland and the other Nordic countries have exceptional expertise in Arctic conditions, and we are happy to make use of that together with our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to strengthen Arctic security, but it cannot be done by threatening allies," she said at a press conference at Finnish parliament after an extraordinary meeting of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee.

Johannes Koskinen, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said it was "unprecedented" for threats of violence to be made within NATO against another member in connection with seizing territory, adding that such threats run counter to the United Nations Charter and that their inconsistency with international law should be underscored at all levels.

EU, Finnish officials express concerns over US remarks on Greenland