China's Feitian extravehicular spacesuit, specifically "Suit B," has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its 20th spacewalk on August 15, 2025, during the Shenzhou-20 mission. Astronaut Chen Dong wore the suit for this historic 20th extravehicular activity (EVA).
This achievement surpasses the suit's original design parameters, which stipulated a service life of three years in orbit and a minimum of 15 EVAs. Suit B's record of 20 EVAs within a four-year timeframe demonstrates the success of China's strategy for extending the operational lifespan of its critical space hardware. This marks the first time a Chinese spacesuit has reached such an extended service goal, highlighting advancements in the nation's space suit technology.
Across eight crewed missions, the Feitian spacesuit has been utilized by a total of 11 astronauts, underscoring its versatility and reliability. This extended operational record also represents China's first formal in-orbit assessment and extension of a flight product's lifespan, setting a precedent for future space equipment.
Further enhancing China's capabilities, upgraded Feitian spacesuits, designated "D" and "E," were delivered to the Tiangong space station in July 2025 via the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft. These new suits incorporate durability upgrades and are rated for four years in orbit or 20 uses, building upon the data and experience gained from previous EVAs and ground testing. These advancements are crucial for supporting the ongoing construction and long-term operation of the Tiangong space station.
The spacewalk on August 15, part of the Shenzhou-20 mission's third series of EVAs, lasted approximately six and a half hours. During this EVA, astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie focused on installing debris protection, adding auxiliary external hardware, and conducting inspections and maintenance on exposed equipment. This mission also saw Chen Dong complete his sixth spacewalk, making him the Chinese astronaut with the most spacewalks to date. The successful completion of these tasks demonstrates the enhanced operational efficiency and reliability of China's space exploration hardware, paving the way for future ambitious missions, including potential lunar exploration.