Chinese astronauts make first spacewalk outside station; See Pics

Chinese astronauts on July 4 successfully carried out the second spacewalk in the country's history as two of the three astronauts stepped out of the orbiting space station core module for seven hours and completed the designated tasks. China's first spacewalk was conducted during the Shenzhou 7 manned mission in 2008, state-run CGTN-TV reported. Their mission comes as the ruling Communist Party celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation.

Two astronauts made the first spacewalk outside China's new orbital station to set up cameras and other equipment using a 15-metre-long (50-foot-long) robotic arm. Credit: AFP Photo

Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo were shown by state TV climbing out of the airlock as Earth rolled past below them. The third crew member, commander Nie Haisheng, stayed inside. Credit: AFP Photo

The astronauts arrived June 17 for a three-month mission aboard China's third orbital station, part of an ambitious space program that landed a robot rover on Mars in May. Their mission comes as the ruling Communist Party celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. Credit: AFP Photo

The station's first module, Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, was launched April 29. That was followed by an automated spacecraft with food and fuel. Liu, Nie and Tang arrived June 17 aboard a Shenzhou capsule. Credit: AFP Photo