Chinese aerospace engineers have commenced comprehensive analysis of a retired extravehicular spacesuit recently returned from the Tiangong space station, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space technology development. The B-type spacesuit, transported back to Earth aboard the Shenzhou XX return capsule on January 20, 2026, represents China’s first spacewalk garment to complete orbital service and undergo systematic post-mission examination.
According to the China Manned Space Agency, the suit possesses exceptional scientific value and historical significance following its extensive service in orbit. The garment was originally delivered to Tiangong via the Tianzhou 2 cargo spacecraft in May 2021 and achieved operational distinction during the Shenzhou XII mission’s inaugural spacewalk that July – a landmark extravehicular activity outside China’s space station that lasted six hours and 46 minutes.
Astronaut Tang Hongbo utilized the suit during this pioneering mission to install critical station components including robotic arm systems while simultaneously validating the suit’s performance parameters in actual space conditions. The returned equipment will now undergo meticulous technical evaluation and material degradation analysis to gather precise data on its orbital endurance characteristics.
Research outcomes are expected to directly inform design enhancements for future orbital spacesuits and establish fundamental engineering benchmarks for China’s developing lunar extravehicular activity system. The investigation particularly aims to support the nation’s ambitious crewed moon landing initiatives by providing authentic performance data from actual space operations.