Shenzhou-17 Crew Repairs Damaged Solar Wings in Space

In a remarkable display of extravehicular maintenance skills, the Shenzhou-17 crew aboard China's space station has managed to repair the damaged solar wings of the core module. The repair mission, necessitated by space debris impact, involved two spacewalks and showcased the crucial role of manned spacecraft in addressing unforeseen challenges in space.

The crew's efforts were focused on restoring the power supply to the core module Tianhe, which had been compromised due to damage to the solar wing's power cables caused by space debris. Despite previous maneuvers to avoid such impacts, the incident underscored the risks posed by the increasing human activities in space.

Deputy Director of the China Manned Space Agency, Lin Xiqiang, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in mitigating space hazards. China's advancements in orbit forecasting, collision warning, and avoidance procedures have significantly improved, with a 30 percent reduction in false alarm rates.

The successful repair work not only ensures the operational integrity of the space station but also highlights China's growing expertise in space technology and mission execution. The Shenzhou-17 crew is set to conclude their in-orbit tasks and hand over responsibilities to the upcoming Shenzhou-18 crew before returning to Earth on April 30.