4.05.2021

Q&A: Getting to know China's space station

A core module of China's space station was launched into space on Thursday. The following questions and answers provide insight into China's new space venture.

Q1: What does the space station look like?

A: After completion by the end of 2022, China's space station will be a T shape with the core module at the center and a lab capsule on each side.

The space station has three ports where crewed or cargo spaceships and other visiting vehicles can dock.

Q2: What is the floorplan?

A: The total length of the core module is 16.6 meters, around the height of a five-story building. With a maximum diameter of 4.2 meters, it is more spacious than a train or subway carriage.

It will provide astronauts with six zones for work, sleep, sanitation, dining, healthcare and exercise.

Q3: How does the space station guarantee quality of life for the astronauts?

A: The station could support at most six astronauts at the same time. They will have their designated sleeping area and toilets.

Treadmills, spin bikes and resistance expanders provide a way for them to maintain their physical health.

The station will feature "smart home," technology where astronauts can remotely control the household appliances in the cabin through tablets, such as the refrigerator, water dispenser and microwave.

Ventilation is important for a comfortable indoor environment. To prevent astronauts from getting cold, the space station is designed to offer different wind speeds in sleeping and working areas. The wind speed in working areas is 0.08 meters per second and 0.05 in sleeping areas.

High levels of noise can be a problem for astronauts. The noise level in the working areas is 58 decibels and the 49 in the sleeping areas. The noise level for an ideal sleeping environment is 30 to 50 decibels.

Q4: What time zone do astronauts use at the Chinese space station?

A: Astronauts will work and rest according to Beijing time. It takes the space station 90 minutes to circle the earth, allowing the astronauts to see up to 16 sunrises and sunsets in 24 hours.

To keep their biological clock from being disrupted, the space station features a scene lighting system in the cabin, including a dusk and daytime mode.

Q5: Is there high-speed Wi-Fi on the space station?

A: The Wi-Fi signal will cover the cabin in its entirety.

A relay satellite undertakes the communication link between the space station and the ground. The data transmission rate from the core module to the ground is tens of times faster than the speed of 5G communication.

Q6: How will astronauts unpack, organize and tidy up the space station?

A: With the arrival of cargo spaceships in the future, the workload of unpacking, sorting, organizing and installation will be overwhelming.

Leaning from China's logistics giants, China's space station has a logistics management system. Astronauts can identify the location and product information of all items by scanning a QR code, and an inventory will be kept in real-time.

Meanwhile, the cabin goes entirely wireless inside with Wi-Fi data transmission, ensuring an orderly environment.

Q7: What will China do in the space station?

A: China aims to build the space station into a state-level space lab supporting extended stays of astronauts and large-scale scientific, technological and application experiments.

The station is also expected to contribute to the peaceful development and utilization of space resources through international cooperation, as well as to enrich technologies and experience for China's future explorations into deeper space. Enditem

Quelle: Xinhua

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Update: 18.06.2021

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China launches first crewed mission for space station construction

The crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-12, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert, June 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

China on Thursday successfully launched the crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-12, which is expected to send three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a three-month mission.

It is China's seventh crewed mission to space and the first during the construction of China's space station. It is also the first in nearly five years after the country's last manned mission.

The spacecraft, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 9:22 a.m. (Beijing Time), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

About 573 seconds after the launch, Shenzhou-12 separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The Shenzhou-12 crew is in good shape and the launch is a complete success, the CMSA declared.

The three astronauts are commander Nie Haisheng, a 56-year-old veteran who participated in the Shenzhou-6 and Shenzhou-10 missions, Liu Boming, 54, who was part of the Shenzhou-7 mission, and Tang Hongbo, 45, who is in his first space mission.

The three astronauts are expected to set a new record for China's manned space mission duration, exceeding the 33 days kept by the Shenzhou-11 crew in 2016.

The Shenzhou-12 spaceship will conduct a fast autonomous rendezvous and docking with the in-orbit space station core module Tianhe, forming a complex with Tianhe and the cargo craft Tianzhou-2. The astronauts will be stationed in the core module.

Their work will be more complicated and challenging than previous crewed missions, according to CMSA director Hao Chun.

The Shenzhou-12 crew will complete four major tasks in orbit, said Ji Qiming, assistant to the CMSA director, at a press conference held at the launch center on Wednesday.

First, they will operate and manage the complex, including the in-orbit test of the Tianhe module, verification of the recycling and life support system, testing and operation training of the robotic arm, as well as management of materials and waste.

Second, they will move, assemble and test extravehicular spacesuits and perform two extravehicular activities (EVAs) for work including assembling an extravehicular toolbox, lifting the panoramic camera and installing extended pump sets.

Third, they will carry out space science experiments and technology experiments, as well as public outreach activities.

Fourth, they will manage their own health through daily life care, physical exercise, and regular monitoring and assessment of their own health status.

China launched its space station core module Tianhe on April 29 and cargo craft Tianzhou-2 on May 29. The two completed a computer-orchestrated rendezvous and docking on May 30, waiting for the first crewed mission to unpack the cargo.

According to the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), more than 160 large and small packages, including supplies for astronauts and space-science equipment, were delivered by Tianzhou-2 in late May.

Hao noted that it is a critical technology for a long-term crewed mission to guarantee the astronauts' life and work in space.

Meanwhile, EVAs will be more and more common for astronauts in later missions for the space station construction, posing new challenges for them, Hao added.

He said that EVAs will be a comprehensive assessment of the technologies in EVA spacesuits and supporting systems, the EVA procedures, as well as the astronauts' operation, commanding and coordination.

According to Hao, the two EVA spacesuits for this mission have been improved to enable more complicated and longer-duration operations, and a variety of equipment inside and outside Tianhe, including a mechanical arm, will also support the spacewalk.

"After passing the assessment, we will be more proficient and experienced in EVA. In the following missions, EVA will be regular work that must be done," he said.

Liu Weibo, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system of China's manned space program, said that the improved spacesuits, both designed and developed by Chinese engineers, can enable astronauts to have EVAs for seven to eight hours.

The Tianzhou-3 cargo craft and the Shenzhou-13 manned spaceship will also be launched later this year to dock with Tianhe, and another three astronauts will then begin their six-month stay in orbit, according to the CMSA.

After the five launch missions this year, China plans to have six more missions, including the launch of the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, two cargo spacecraft and two crewed spaceships, in 2022 to complete the construction of the space station. Enditem

China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship docks with space station module

Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2021 shows China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship having successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe. China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship has successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The spaceship, launched on Thursday morning, completed orbital status setting after entering the orbit and conducted a fast autonomous rendezvous and docking with the front docking port of Tianhe at 3:54 p.m. (Beijing Time), forming a three-module complex with the cargo craft Tianzhou-2. The whole process took approximately 6.5 hours. This is Tianhe's first rendezvous and docking with a Shenzhou spaceship since it was sent into orbit on April 29. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship has successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The spaceship, launched on Thursday morning, completed orbital status setting after entering the orbit and conducted a fast autonomous rendezvous and docking with the front docking port of Tianhe at 3:54 p.m. (Beijing Time), forming a three-module complex with the cargo craft Tianzhou-2.

The whole process took approximately 6.5 hours.

This is Tianhe's first rendezvous and docking with a Shenzhou spaceship since it was sent into orbit on April 29.

The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 9:22 a.m. (Beijing Time).

Three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-12 -- Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo -- will then enter the Tianhe module, according to the mission plan.

China launched Tianzhou-2 on May 29, and the cargo craft docked with Tianhe on May 30. Enditem

Screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2021 shows China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship having successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe. China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship has successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The spaceship, launched on Thursday morning, completed orbital status setting after entering the orbit and conducted a fast autonomous rendezvous and docking with the front docking port of Tianhe at 3:54 p.m. (Beijing Time), forming a three-module complex with the cargo craft Tianzhou-2. The whole process took approximately 6.5 hours. This is Tianhe's first rendezvous and docking with a Shenzhou spaceship since it was sent into orbit on April 29. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

A staff member takes videos of the screen image showing China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship docking with the space station core module Tianhe at Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, June 17, 2021. China's Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship has successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The spaceship, launched on Thursday morning, completed orbital status setting after entering the orbit and conducted a fast autonomous rendezvous and docking with the front docking port of Tianhe at 3:54 p.m. (Beijing Time), forming a three-module complex with the cargo craft Tianzhou-2. The whole process took approximately 6.5 hours. This is Tianhe's first rendezvous and docking with a Shenzhou spaceship since it was sent into orbit on April 29. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

Qzelle: Xinhua

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Update: 19.06.2021

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NASA, ESA send congratulations on success of Shenzhou-12 mission

Countries all over the world have been following China's space program. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated the China National Space Administration for the successful launch of the Shenzhou's three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. Russia's state space corporation, Roscosmos, also sent its congratulations. Russia is also considering sending a spacecraft to the Tiangong. The European Space Agency sent its good wishes. Congratulations were also sent from Space X CEO Elon Musk and former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.

Quelle: Xinhua

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Update: 23.06.2021

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China's space-tracking ship completes tasks for Tianzhou-2, Shenzhou-12 missions

China's Yuanwang-6 space-tracking ship returned to its homeport on Monday after completing its telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) tasks for the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft and Shenzhou-12 manned spaceship missions.

Yuanwang-6, China's third-generation space-tracking ship, was at sea for 29 days, sailing more than 5,000 nautical miles for the two missions.

On May 29, China launched Tianzhou-2. The cargo freighter, carrying supplies, equipment and propellant, successfully docked with the space station core module Tianhe on May 30.

On June 17, China successfully launched Shenzhou-12, with three astronauts on board for space station construction.

Yuanwang-6 has provided vital communication between the spacecraft and the ground.

When the Shenzhou-12 spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, reached the TT&C range of Yuangwang-6 sailing in the Pacific Ocean at the time, the space-tracking ship discovered and captured the signals of the spaceship promptly.

The tracking vessel helped Shenzhou-12 undertake several key moves, including orbit entry and unfolding of solar panels, providing significant data support for the missions.

As the only maritime TT&C point in the Shenzhou missions, Yuanwang-6 sent several key instructions to the spacecraft and sent back astronauts' images and voice information, according to Yang Bianjiao, captain of Yuanwang-6.

Yuanwang-6 has completed six maritime TT&C missions this year. Enditem

Quelle: Xinhua

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Update: 5.07.2021

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Chinese astronauts make first spacewalk outside new station

Two astronauts have made the first spacewalk outside China's new orbital station using a 15-meter-long (50-foot-long) robot arm to install cameras and other equipment

Two astronauts on Sunday made the first spacewalk outside China’s new orbital station to set up cameras and other equipment using a 15-meter-long (50-foot-long) robotic arm.

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.

Liu and Tang spent nearly seven hours outside the station, the Chinese space agency said.

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.

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.

On Sunday, Liu attached his feet to a platform at the end of a remote-controlled arm that held him in place while he used an electric drill and other tools to install equipment.

China's space agency plans a total of 11 launches through the end of next year to add two more modules to the 70-ton station.

Liu is a veteran of the Shenzhou 7 mission in 2008, during which Zhai Zhigang made China’s first space walk. Nie is on his third trip into space while Liu is making his first. All are military pilots.

Quelle: abcNews

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Astronauts at China’s new space station conduct first spacewalk

Two astronauts work for seven hours outside Tiangong station, in first of two spacewalks planned for mission

 

Agence-FrancePresse

Sun 4 Jul 2021 10.31 BST

 

 

Chinese astronauts have performed the country’s first tandem spacewalk, working for seven hours on the outside of the new Tiangong station in orbit around Earth.

Tiangong’s construction is a significant step in China’s ambitious space programme. China has previously landed a rover on Mars and sent probes to the moon.

 

Last month, three astronauts blasted off to become the first crew of the station, where they will remain for three months in China’s longest crewed mission to date. On Sunday morning, two of them left the station for about seven hours of work in the first spacewalk at Tiangong, the China Manned Space Agency said.

“The safe return of astronauts Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo to the Tianhe core module marks the complete success of the first spacewalk in our country’s space station construction,” the agency said.

Their tasks included elevating a panoramic camera outside the Tianhe core module and testing the station’s robotic arm, which will be used to transfer future modules around the station, state media said. The astronauts installed foot stops on the robotic arm and, with its support, carried out other assembly work, the space agency added.

In a video clip of Liu leaving the cabin, he exclaimed: “Wow, it’s too beautiful out here.”

Liu and Tang were shown opening a hatch and exiting the module separately, wearing newly developed suits said to weigh 130kg (20st). They were supported from inside the station by the mission commander, Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot who is on his third space mission.

This was the first of two spacewalks planned for the mission, both expected to last six or seven hours. It was the first time since 2008 that Chinese astronauts have gone outside their spacecraft. Back then, Zhai Zhigang made China the third country to complete a spacewalk after the Soviet Union and the US.

This is China’s first crewed mission in nearly five years, and a matter of huge prestige as the country marks the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist party this month with a massive propaganda campaign. To prepare, the crew underwent more than 6,000 hours of training.

The Chinese space agency is planning a total of 11 launches through to the end of next year, including three more crewed missions. They will deliver two lab modules to expand the station, along with supplies and astronauts.

On Sunday, state television showed footage of the astronauts’ daily lives on Tiangong, including setting up an exercise bike and working out on a treadmill. One crew member was shown eating with chopsticks; another did a handstand and somersault after mealtime.

The mission has attracted a flurry of discussion online, with a hashtag about the spacewalk garnering 200m views on China’s Twitter-like platform Weibo. One user wrote: “How much I’m moved by each step of achievement is beyond words.”

President Xi Jinping has said the construction of China’s first space station is opening “new horizons” in humanity’s attempts to explore the cosmos.

China’s ambition to build an orbiting outpost of its own was fuelled in part by a US ban on Chinese astronauts on the International Space Station, a collaboration between the US, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan.

The ISS is due for retirement after 2024, although Nasa has said it could remain functional beyond 2028.

Tiangong is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years, and China has said it would be open to international collaboration on the station.

Quelle: The Guardian

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Astronauts complete first Chinese space station spacewalk

 

Hausjärvi, FINLAND — Two Shenzhou-12 astronauts conducted a spacewalk late Saturday to carry to install equipment required for the long-term operation of China’s space station.

Liu Boming opened the hatch of the Tianhe module at 8:11 p.m. Eastern July 3 and was later joined outside by Tang Hongbo. Activities were completed at 2:57 a.m. July 4, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). 

Wearing new-generation Feitian extravehicular activity suits the pair worked outside Tianhe while orbiting around 380 kilometers above the surface of the Earth. 

Liu worked attached to a robotic arm while Tang worked along handrails on Tianhe.

The astronauts installed foot restraints and an extravehicular working platform on Tianhe’s mechanical arm. They later raised a panoramic camera. 

Shenzhou-12 mission commander Nie Haisheng remained inside Tianhe and operated a small robotic arm to assist his colleagues.

The spacewalk is China’s second, following nearly 13 years after Zhai Zhigang’s 22-minute EVA during the September 2008 Shenzhou-7 mission. 

Footage from the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center (BACC) broadcast by CCTV showed multiple angles of Tianhe and the astronauts’ point of view. Communications between Tianhe and the ground are facilitated by Tianlian relay satellites in geostationary orbit.

 

 

Nie assisted Liu and Tang in testing the Feitian suits July 1 in preparation for the spacewalk. They also checked the Tianhe docking hub which contains an EVA hatch.

A second spacewalk is planned to be conducted during the three-month-long Shenzhou-12 expedition to Tianhe.

Tianhe is the first of three modules which will form a T-shaped space station. The 16.6-meter-long, 4.2-meter-diameter module will provide regenerative life support and the main living quarters for astronauts as well as propulsion to maintain orbital altitude.

Shenzhou-12 docked with Tianhe on June 17, six hours 32 minutes after launch from Jiuquan. 

Shenzhou-13 is being readied for an emergency rapid response launch but is otherwise expected to launch on schedule in October. The Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft will deliver supplies for the mission to Tianhe a month earlier. 

Experiment modules named Wentian and Mengtian are expected to launch in 2022. Each will be manipulated into position by Tianhe’s 10.2-meter-long robotic arm.

Xuntian, a co-orbiting optical, Hubble-class space telescope will launch around 2024. The Chinese space station could also be expanded from three to six modules if main phase construction proceeds as planned.