On August 15, 2025, a milestone unfolded high above Earth as China’s Tiangong space station crew completed a pivotal extravehicular activity (EVA)—their third during the Shenzhou-20 mission. But this was no ordinary spacewalk. Not only did it showcase the remarkable durability of China’s pioneering Feitian extravehicular suit B, which logged its record-setting twentieth outing, but it also marked the debut of artificial intelligence as a mission-critical assistant in orbit, according to China Daily and CGTN.
Taikonauts Chen Dong and Wang Jie spent about six and a half hours outside the station, installing debris protection, adding auxiliary external hardware, and performing inspections and maintenance on exposed equipment. Inside, Chen Zhongrui coordinated operations, ensuring every move was safe and efficient. The spacewalk wrapped up at 10:47 p.m. Beijing time, capping a day of technical precision and, perhaps, a touch of history-making excitement.
What set this EVA apart wasn’t just the technical tasks or the teamwork—it was the quiet presence of a new digital crew member: Wukong, an artificial intelligence model based on the Chinese open AI platform iFlytek. Wukong had arrived at the station in mid-July, delivered by the Tianzhou-9 resupply ship, and quickly found itself at the heart of mission planning. According to China Daily, the crew turned to Wukong to help prepare their work schedule for the spacewalk. The system provided relevant links and step-by-step instructions, helping the taikonauts organize their tasks and streamline their workflow.
Developers say Wukong’s knowledge base is focused on space flight standards, making it an invaluable resource both on the station and back on Earth. In orbit, it helps solve critical, time-sensitive problems, while the ground version can perform deeper, more detailed analysis. The dual-use approach ensures that astronauts aren’t left scrambling for answers in the isolation of space, and mission control can dig deeper when needed. As one developer described to China Daily, "Wukong is designed to be a reliable partner in both routine and emergency situations, offering tailored support to the crew."
This isn’t the first time artificial intelligence has made its mark in orbit. Last year, HPE and Booz Allen deployed a large language model—Meta Space Llama—on the International Space Station, where it assisted astronauts with technical documentation. NASA, never one to be left behind, is also hard at work developing an AI-based medical assistant intended to help astronauts on future Moon and Mars missions. The growing presence of AI in space signals a shift in how crews will operate: less time spent flipping through bulky manuals, more time focused on the mission at hand.
But back to the spacesuit. The Feitian extravehicular suit B, worn by Chen Dong during the August 15 EVA, is a marvel in its own right. The China Astronaut Research and Training Centre announced that this suit is now the first on China’s station to complete 20 EVAs within just four years—a remarkable feat, given that it was originally designed for a three-year orbital lifespan and at least 15 spacewalks. According to the Centre, "Suit B’s 20-use record indicates the in-orbit life extension approach is working." Eleven astronauts have donned the suit across eight crewed missions, making it the first Chinese flight article to undergo formal in-orbit lifespan assessment and extension.
The story of Suit B is a testament to both engineering and adaptability. Designed for rigorous use, its original specifications called for a service life of three years in orbit and a minimum of 15 EVAs. That it’s now survived 20 spacewalks—five more than planned—reflects not just robust design, but also the careful maintenance and real-time monitoring possible aboard Tiangong. It’s a bit like a favorite pair of hiking boots that, with a little extra care, last well beyond their expected mileage. The suit’s journey isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a symbol of China’s evolving confidence in its space program.
Of course, even the best gear needs a backup plan. Recognizing the importance of redundancy and safety, China sent two new second-generation Feitian EVA suits—labeled D and E—with the Tianzhou-9 resupply ship, which docked at the station on July 15, 2025. These fresh suits have been unpacked, inspected, and cleared for phased use during upcoming spacewalks, according to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. A CGTN briefing highlighted durability upgrades and noted that the new suits are rated for four years in orbit or 20 uses, drawing on lessons from previous missions and extensive ground tests.
Safety and comfort have been top priorities for these new spacesuits. Their enhanced features will be especially important as China looks to expand the Tiangong station and tackle increasingly complex missions. The country is also making strides with the Wangyu lunar suit, aiming to support future lunar exploration efforts. The focus on continual improvement reflects a broader trend in human spaceflight: every mission is both a test and a learning opportunity, feeding directly into the next leap forward.
The Shenzhou-20 crew’s third EVA was not only a technical success but also a demonstration of China’s growing expertise in managing the challenges of long-term space habitation. The crew’s tasks—installing debris protection, adding external hardware, and carrying out inspections—may sound routine, but each is vital for the safety and longevity of the station. As the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) hinted, another spacewalk is already on the horizon, underscoring the relentless pace of operations aboard Tiangong.
Behind the scenes, the integration of AI like Wukong is quietly transforming how astronauts approach their work. Instead of relying solely on ground control or static checklists, crews now have an intelligent partner capable of offering timely, context-aware advice. For instance, during the recent EVA preparations, the crew simply asked Wukong to generate a work schedule. The system responded with links and detailed instructions, helping the taikonauts organize their time and resources more efficiently. While it may sound like a small step, the implications are huge: as missions grow longer and more complex, having smart, adaptable tools on hand could mean the difference between success and costly error.
Looking beyond China, the international space community is watching these developments with keen interest. The use of AI on the International Space Station and the ongoing development of NASA’s medical assistant suggest that space agencies everywhere are eager to harness new technologies to support their crews. As missions venture farther from Earth—toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond—the ability to make quick, informed decisions will only become more critical.
As the dust settles on another successful spacewalk, China’s space program stands at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. The enduring Feitian suit B, now a veteran of 20 EVAs, and the cutting-edge Wukong AI are two sides of the same coin: one rooted in years of engineering and experience, the other pointing toward a future where digital intelligence is as essential as oxygen. Together, they’re helping to write the next chapter of human spaceflight—one careful step, and one clever algorithm, at a time.