Shenzhou-23 Crew Completes Spacewalk as Station Uses CMG-Jet Synergy for Attitude Control

On September 11, 2026, the Shenzhou-23 crew successfully completed an approximately 5.5-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the China Space Station. During the mission, the station employed a coordinated attitude control strategy combining control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) and engine jet thrusters to manage its orientation. During routine phases, six CMGs aboard the Wentian lab module were activated to achieve precise and smooth attitude control. When angular momentum reached saturation, the system switched to jet-based desaturation at opportune moments outside ground tracking and control coverage zones, carefully avoiding periods when astronauts or the robotic arm were operating outside the station. Six CMGs aboard the Tianhe core module served as cold backups, ready to be activated in tandem when necessary, effectively doubling the station’s angular momentum absorption capacity. This strategy significantly reduced interference with the continuity of the spacewalk, ensuring both safety and efficiency for the crew’s external operations. The approach marks a notable step forward in China’s capability to manage complex simultaneous operations involving EVA activities and large-scale attitude control on its orbital outpost.