Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 3rd series of extravehicular activities

The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The astronaut trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie -- worked for approximately six-and-a-half hours and completed all related tasks at 22:47 (Beijing Time), assisted by the space station's robotic arm and a ground control team.

Chen Dong and Wang Jie, tasked with conducting spacewalk operations, completed the installation of debris protection devices and auxiliary extravehicular facilities, as well as the inspection and maintenance of external equipment, according to the CMSA.

To date, Chen Dong has completed six rounds of extravehicular activities, meaning he has conducted the most spacewalk tasks of any Chinese astronaut.

The Shenzhou-20 astronauts have now completed half of their spaceflight journey. The crew is currently making steady progress in various space science experiments.

Next, they will focus on research and technology tests in key areas such as the space life sciences, microgravity fundamental physics, space materials science, space medicine and advanced aerospace technologies, the agency said.

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 3rd series of extravehicular activities

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 3rd series of extravehicular activities

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 3rd series of extravehicular activities

A wildfire that engulfed part of a forest in Shantou City of south China's Guangdong Province on Sunday has been extinguished after 17 hours of concerted efforts by multiple departments including emergency response, firefighting and public security units.

Villagers living at the foot of Xianglu Mountain were the first to notice the fire erupting on its slopes.

"It looked far away and I thought it was just someone burning garbage," recalled one villager.

Upon discovering the fire, local authorities immediately organized personnel to combat the flames, with mobilization of over 200 rescuers from surrounding areas to assist in the firefighting efforts.

"We were divided into two to three groups, with one conducting regular firefighting and another using water pumps to extinguish the fire," said one rescuer.

Given the rapid spread of the fire, local officials also called in aerial support with helicopters to aid in extinguishing the blaze. Furthermore, many personnel organized by local grassroots departments were actively involved in the firefighting efforts.

By 06:00 on Monday, the wildfire was finally extinguished without causing any casualties. The dry climate in winter increases the risk of forest fire in the region. However, the cause of the forest fire is still under investigation.

Wildfire extinguished in south China's Guangdong after 17 hours of efforts