Stroll Through the Firmament: Astronaut Space Walk

Author: Wu Guoxing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: At the moment of the world-renowned launch of China's Shenzhou 6 spacecraft, the "New Knowledge Series on Manned Spaceflight" was grandly launched by Jiangxi University Press. This is currently the most authoritative and up-to-date series of popular books on manned spaceflight in China, and also a science popularization feast dedicated by the press to support China's "Shenzhou 6." In 2003, the successful launch of China's Shenzhou 5 spacecraft not only inspired national pride but also sparked a new wave of public interest in space exploration. To meet the demand of space enthusiasts, especially young people, for the latest knowledge in manned spaceflight, Jiangxi University Press and the China Association for Science and Technology jointly planned this series, aiming to introduce the latest popular science knowledge in manned spaceflight. The series consists of six volumes: "The Space Ark—An Overview of Spacecraft," "The Space Shuttle—A Record of Triumph and Challenges," "The Cosmic Citadel—The Development Path of Space Stations," "Strolling in the Blue Sky—Astronauts' Spacewalks," "Seizing the Moon—Rediscovering the Moon," and "The Interstellar Homeland—Mars Exploration and Development." They respectively introduce three types of manned spacecraft—spacecraft, space shuttles, and space stations—as well as three types of space activities—spacewalks, lunar development, and Mars exploration, covering the major achievements of human manned spaceflight technology today. Due to the significant subject matter, authoritative content, and alignment with market demand, the series was included in the "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan" national key book project by the General Administration of Press and Publication. The series was jointly organized and written by the authoritative department for aerospace science research—the China Academy of Space Technology and the China Association for Science and Technology. Professor Min Guirong, an academician of the International Astronautical Federation and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, served as the chief editor, with a strong team of renowned science popularization writers such as Pang Zhihao, Wu Guoxing, and Zhou Wu, presenting new technological knowledge of manned spaceflight from around the world, especially many previously classified materials since the Shenzhou 5 launch, in a vivid, illustrated format. At the time of the successful return flight of the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery and the smooth launch of China's Shenzhou 6, the latest knowledge and information about both missions were also included in the series, launched by Jiangxi University Press to delight readers. The series is colorfully printed and beautifully bound, making it worthy of reading and collecting. The President of the China Association for Science and Technology, Zhou Guangzhao, also happily wrote a preface for the series, recommending it to readers.
A spacewalk is what astronauts do when they venture outside their spacecraft into space. Spacewalks and rendezvous and docking are two key technologies in manned spaceflight, forming the foundation for establishing small space laboratories and large space stations. If astronauts could only sit inside their spacecraft or shuttles all day without the ability to spacewalk, their role would be severely limited, and many space missions would be impossible to complete. However, spacewalks for astronauts are not as romantic as one might imagine. The space environment is extremely harsh, so ensuring the life safety of astronauts is the first priority. Additionally, since space is a vacuum and astronauts are in a weightless state, they must be provided with conditions for movement and work. Spacewalks not only test the psychological and physical endurance of astronauts but also pose a significant challenge to the manned spaceflight program. Chinese astronauts are about to step out of their spacecraft and stroll across the cosmos, showcasing their elegance and in space. Let us express our profound respect for them through this book, while also offering our blessings—wishing them a safe journey and a peaceful return!