At 00:33 on September 2, 2022 (Beijing time), after about 6h extra-vehicular activities, Shenzhou-14 astronauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe cooperated closely and completed all tasks as required. Chen Dong and Liu Yang have safely returned to Wentian lab module, marking a complete success of the extra-vehicular activities.

This was the first time for astronauts to leave the airlock module of Wentian lab module, to complete extra-vehicular activities with small mechanical arms, during which they installed the expansion pump set, lifted the panorama camera of Wentian lab module, and also verified extra-vehicular autonomous emergency return, etc. successively by closely cooperating with personnel on earth and inside the module. The entire process was completed successfully, which can prove the coordination capacity of astronauts with small mechanical arms, and also verify the functional performance of supporting equipment related to the airlock module of Wentian lab module and extra-vehicular activities.

Panoramic camera

Take you to experience 360° starry space

Wentian lab module is equipped with three panoramic HD cameras, which can show the mysterious and glorious space from different angles. These three panoramic cameras are “built” by Shanghai Aerospace Electronic Technology Institute, with 360° panoramic real-time imaging function, and can realize the HD video output of horizontal 180° field as well as the panoramic picture output of horizontal 360° and vertical 100° field, making it possible to show the extra-vehicular picture of astronauts in all directions.

The panoramic camera is installed outside Wentian lab module, and should overcome powerful vibration and large impact upon the separation of probe and rocket in the active section of the flight. To solve this problem, the image sensor for core devices of the camera was optimized in structure, to withstand the “powerful” vibration, while absorbing the impact “softly”, so that the camera can enter the space safely.

Airlock module camera

Take you to spacewalk

The airlock module is used to regulate air pressure inside and outside of the module, and is also the “door of life and death” for astronauts to walk outside the module. The airlock module camera has witnessed the wisdom of the mankind in vast universe. During the extra-vehicular activities, the preparations and collections made by astronauts within the airlock module were also sent back to the ground via the airlock module camera equipped by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. The airlock module camera developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology can observe and record the extra-vehicular activities of astronauts with its HD lens, leading us to enjoy the romance of spacewalk in real time.