Chinese Astronauts Strengthen Tiangong’s Defenses Against Space Debris

On Aug. 15, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie completed a 6.5-hour spacewalk to strengthen the Tiangong space station’s defenses against orbital debris. Working outside the station, they installed new protective panels and inspected external systems. The mission marked Chen Dong’s sixth career EVA—the most by a Chinese astronaut—and the third for Shenzhou 20’s crew. China’s space agency stressed that debris mitigation is a global concern, aligning with its policies on de-orbiting old spacecraft and passivating rocket stages. Experts warn that rising orbital traffic makes international cooperation essential.