The Shenzhou 19 mission concluded on 30 April 2025, marking the end of a six-month tenure in orbit for Cai Xuzhe. As commander of this operation, he demonstrated operational capacity within the Tiangong space station, building upon a trajectory that transitioned him from the cockpit of a fighter jet to the specialized ranks of the Chinese taikonaut corps.
Early Career and Selection
Born in Shenzhou, Hebei province, in 1976, Cai pursued aviation training at the Baoding Branch of the Changchun Flight Academy of the Air Force. Following his graduation, he served as a fighter pilot within the People's Liberation Army Air Force. In 2010, his career trajectory shifted when he was selected as an astronaut. By 2011, his inclusion in the second group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps was officially confirmed.
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Cai's orbital experience began in 2022 during the Shenzhou 14 mission, where he spent 182 days stationed on the Tiangong space station. During this tenure, he executed two spacewalks alongside Chen Dong on 17 September and 17 November. He returned to the station on 29 October 2024 to lead the Shenzhou 19 mission. This second expedition included three additional spacewalks, bringing his career total to five.
Record-Breaking Extravehicular Activity
On 17 December 2024, Cai and Song Lingdong conducted an extravehicular activity that lasted 9 hours and 6 minutes, setting a new duration record for a spacewalk. With support from ground-based personnel and robotic arm systems, the pair completed critical maintenance tasks, including the installation of debris protection devices and the general inspection of external station infrastructure.
Recognition and Personal Life
Cai holds the military rank of Da Xiao. In 2023, he received the Spaceflight Exploit Medal in recognition of his contributions to the Chinese space programme. His personal life includes his marriage to Wang Yanqing, who serves as a nurse in a People's Liberation Army military hospital.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Shenzhou City
- Nationality: People's Republic of China
- Occupation: Astronaut and fighter pilot
- Military Rank: Da Xiao
- Shenzhou 14 duration: 182 days
- Record spacewalk: 9 hours and 6 minutes
- Total career spacewalks: 5
- Award: Spaceflight Exploit Medal (2023)
Questions readers ask
What is the total number of spacewalks Cai Xuzhe has completed?
Over the course of his career, Cai has completed five spacewalks.
Did Cai Xuzhe command the Shenzhou 19 mission?
Yes, he served as the commander of the Shenzhou 19 mission, which launched in October 2024.
Achievements
- Worked as astronaut and fighter pilot
