Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab

The trio of crewmembers onboard China’s Tiangong space station will soon begin spacewalking tasks. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the Shenzhou-19 crew is moving forward on preparations for their second set of extravehicular activities (EVAs).

According to the CMSA, the three astronauts — Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze — are “creating optimal conditions for the upcoming spacewalk.”

In a video released on Monday, the crew is shown conducting checks of their spacesuits and practicing mechanical arm operations in orbit.

Image credit: CCTV/Inside Outer Space screengrab

Rehearsing spacewalk duties

Two crew members are assigned the spacewalk duties, rehearsing their tasks in their spacesuits inside the space station.

Shenzhou-19 astronauts arrived at Tiangong in late October.

As noted by China Central Television (CCTV), in their first EVAs on December 17, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong set a new world record for the longest single spacewalk, spending nine hours outside the orbital outpost. Tasks included the installation on the space station of protection devices against space debris.

For a video describing their preparations for the upcoming spacewalk, go to:

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