The Feitian space suit (Chinese: 飞天航天服; pinyin: Fēitiān Hángtiān Fù) is an extravehicular space suit design developed and used by the China Manned Space Program. It provides life support, environmental protection, and communications for taikonauts during extravehicular activity (EVA).[1]
The earliest Feitian space suit was used on Shenzhou 7, worn by taikonaut Zhai Zhigang during China's first-ever spacewalk on 27 September 2008.[2] An improved version of the Feitian space suit is used aboard the Tiangong space station, with the first EVA using the updated version being on Shenzhou 12's first EVA, on 4 July 2021.[3]
As of July 2023, 13 Chinese taikonauts have completed 13 EVAs wearing Feitian space suits.
- ^ ""飞天"舱外航天服的研制与试验". 中国载人航天工程官方网站 (in Chinese). September 24, 2008. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ Chen, Lou (September 27, 2008). "Taikonaut Zhai's small step historical leap for China". Xinhua. Archived from the original on October 1, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
- ^ "Chinese astronauts complete first space walk outside new space station". NBC News. July 4, 2021. Retrieved December 13, 2023.