Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

China's Shenzhou-19 crew has revealed they successfully handled a lock failure during what became a record-breaking nine-hour spacewalk last December, the longest single extravehicular activity (EVA) in history.

The mission's post-landing disclosures highlight China's growing capabilities in orbital troubleshooting.

Astronaut Cai Xuzhe, now China's most experienced spacewalker with five EVAs, described how the crew responded to a payload adapter partially jammed during previous equipment installation.

"The payload was deployed through the cargo airlock. The external adapter normally has two locking mechanisms. But while one lock disengaged automatically via the robotic arm as designed, the secondary lock failed to release. This partial failure left half of the mechanism still attached to the station wall. We had to improvise a tool to manually disengage the remaining lock," Cai said.

The critical repair occurred during the mission's first spacewalk on Dec. 17, 2024. After completing primary tasks including space debris shield installations, Cai, assisted by crewmate Song Lingdong, used the station's robotic arm to reach the malfunction site.

The operation faced intense time pressure as it needed to be completed during limited sunlight periods, with only about 40 minutes remaining in the final suitable window. Both astronauts had already spent over seven hours working in China's next-generation Feitian spacesuits at this point.

When asked about operating at the suits' endurance limits, Cai expressed confidence in the systems, detailing how they continuously monitored oxygen levels throughout the extended EVA.

"Our oxygen supply was well within safety margins. The suit carries two tanks, primary and backup. Even if the primary tank were fully depleted, the backup would sustain us. Activating the backup would require aborting the EVA, but we never even approached that threshold. We maintained complete operational awareness throughout," Cai said.

The successful troubleshooting demonstrated the spacesuits' reliability and China's autonomous problem-solving capabilities in space. Mission controllers emphasized that the nine-hour EVA not only set a new Chinese record but surpassed all previous international single-spacewalk durations.

"This achievement demonstrates three key points: First, the absolute reliability of our spacesuits. Second, our operational capacity to sustain nine hours of continuous extravehicular work. Third, it showcases the maturity and self-assurance of China's crewed spaceflight technology," Cai said.

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

Chinese astronauts set world record during longest spacewalk

More than 20 films will hit Chinese screens during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from Saturday to Monday, spanning genres from revolutionary historical dramas, realism movies to suspense thrillers, according to the China Film Administration on Thursday.

Revolutionary historical films such as Blood-Spattered Cliff, Eight Sons, Eight Soldiers, and Half Of The Quilt, will pay tribute to martyrs through the lens.

Three films -- It's OK, Now I Met Her, and Sunshine Women's Choir -- tell moving stories of love, growth, and reconciliation.

It's OK is a contemporary family comedy that follows a mother and daughter navigating their joyful yet turbulent relationship. Now I Met Her tells a rebellious teenager who gets to know his late mother through her old diary. Sunshine Women's Choir, a film from the Taiwan region of China, portrays the "perfect" maternal love of "imperfect mothers."

The suspense film Game of Identity tells the story of two people from different backgrounds who accidentally swap lives, setting off an unexpected adventure. The documentary films Seeking Nature: The Code of Life, and Missions to the Moon (Part One) explore the connection between humanity and science.

Imported films from different countries, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Project Hail Mary, and Hoppers, will deliver spectacular cinematic experiences to audiences.

The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Over 20 films expected to hit Chinese screens during Qingming Festival Holiday