The Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's orbiting space station successfully completed their first extravehicular activities on December 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts in space exploration.

As reported by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the spacewalk was deemed a "complete success" at 6:45 p.m. Beijing Time (10:45 GMT), following approximately eight hours of coordinated operations.

During this historic spacewalk, astronauts Zhang Lu and Wu Fei ventured outside the station, meticulously working alongside crew member Zhang Hongzhang, who remained inside the core module, with the additional assistance of the space station's robotic arm and ground-based scientific personnel.

The crew accomplished a series of essential tasks that included inspecting the return capsule porthole on the previously docked Shenzhou-20 spaceship, installing vital space debris protection devices on the station, and replacing the insulation cover on a thermal control adapter.

In a remarkable achievement, Wu Fei became the youngest Chinese astronaut to undertake an extravehicular mission, while commander Zhang Lu marked his return to space after two and a half years, contributing to the mission's success.

Looking ahead, further spacewalks are planned, focusing on conducting important scientific experiments and technological tests, along with necessary protective measures for the damaged porthole of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft.