Różne artykuły o Chinese space station (CSS)

[Orionid]

Astronauts complete first Chinese space station spacewalk
by Andrew Jones — July 4, 2021 [SN]


A view from outside Tianhe during the first Shenzhou-12 spacewalk, June 2021. Credit: BACC/CCTV

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).

Source: https://spacenews.com/astronauts-complete-first-chinese-space-station-spacewalk/

[Orionid]

Chinese astronauts complete first spacewalk outside new space station
July 7, 2021 Stephen Clark [SFN]


A Chinese astronauts outside the Tiangong space station Sunday. Credit: Xinhua

Two Chinese astronauts headed outside the country’s space station Saturday for the second-ever spacewalk in China’s space program, and the first staged from the new Tiangong complex in low Earth orbit.

Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/07/07/chinese-astronauts-complete-first-spacewalk-outside-new-space-station/

[Orionid]

Astronauts conduct second Chinese space station spacewalk
by Andrew Jones — August 20, 2021 [SN]


Commander Nie Haisheng attached to a robotic arm during the second Shenzhou-12 spacewalk in August 2021. Credit: CNSA/BACC

HELSINKI — Chinese astronauts Nie Haisheng and Liu Boming embarked on a second Shenzhou-12 spacewalk late Thursday to carry out work on a space station robotic arm.

Shenzhou-12 mission commander Nie opened the hatch of the Tianhe module at 8:38 p.m. Eastern Aug. 19 to begin a planned near seven-hour extravehicular activity, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said.

Source: https://spacenews.com/astronauts-conduct-second-chinese-space-station-spacewalk/

[Orionid]

China rolls out cargo mission rocket as Shenzhou-12 astronauts leave space station
by Andrew Jones — September 16, 2021 [SN]


The Long March 7 (Y4) rocket to launch Tianzhou-3 being vertically transferred to the pad, September 16, 2021. Credit: CMSA

HELSINKI — China is preparing to launch its second space station cargo mission just as its Shenzhou-12 astronauts are set to return to Earth.

The Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft rolled out at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, south China, early September 16, China’s human spaceflight agency announced. Launch is targeted for September 20, according to local traffic restrictions.

Source: https://spacenews.com/china-rolls-out-cargo-mission-rocket-as-shenzhou-12-astronauts-leave-space-station/

[Orionid]

Shenzhou-12 astronauts return to Earth after 3-month space station mission
by Andrew Jones — September 17, 2021 [SN]


The three Shenzhou-12 astronauts outside of the return module after landing in Dongfeng, Sept. 17, 2021. Credit: CCTV/framegrab

HELSINKI — Three Chinese astronauts safely returned to Earth Sept. 17 after completing the first crewed mission aboard the Tianhe space station module.

Commander Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo touched down inside the designated landing zone near Dongfeng in the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, at around 1:34 a.m. Eastern Friday.

Source: https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-12-astronauts-return-to-earth-after-3-month-space-station-mission/

[Orionid]

Tianzhou-3 spacecraft docks with Chinese space station
by Andrew Jones — September 20, 2021 [SN]


Liftoff of the Long March 7 rocket carrying Tianzhou-3 in orbit on September 20, 2021.

HELSINKI — China’s Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft docked in orbit with the Tianhe space station module Monday following launch from the coastal Wenchang launch center.

A Long March 7 rocket lifted off from Wenchang at 3:10 a.m. Eastern September 20. Tianzhou-3 separated from the second stage after 597 seconds, having entered orbit and on track to catch up with Tianhe.

Source: https://spacenews.com/tianzhou-3-spacecraft-docks-with-chinese-space-station/

[Orionid]

Shenzhou-13 heads for space station after reaching orbit
by Andrew Jones — October 15, 2021 [SN]


The Long March 2F carrying Shenzhou-13 rising against the backdrop of the moon on Oct. 15, 2021. Credit: CCTV/framegrab

HELSINKI — A second crew of three astronauts are heading for China’s Tianhe space station module after the successful launch of the Shenzhou-13 mission Friday.

A Long March 2F lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 12:23 Eastern Oct. 15. The rocket, with four side boosters, two stages and a launch escape system, rose from the LC43/91 launch complex into the black skies above Jiuquan after midnight local time.

Source: https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-13-heads-for-space-station-after-reaching-orbit/

[Orionid]

Three astronauts begin half-year mission on Chinese space station
October 15, 2021 Stephen Clark [SFN]


The Shenzhou 13 crew — Ye Guangfu, Zhai Zhigang, and Wang Yaping — float inside the Tianhe core module of the Chinese space station. Credit: CMSA

Three astronauts floated into the living quarters of China’s space station Friday, hours after launching from a military-run spaceport in the Gobi Desert, moving in for a six-month mission to prepare the outpost for expansion next year.

Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/10/15/three-astronauts-begin-half-year-mission-on-chinese-space-station/

[Orionid]

China’s first female spacewalker helps outfit space station robotic arm
November 9, 2021 Stephen Clark [SFN]


One of the two spacewalker on Sunday’s excursion is seen outside China’s space station, with a part of the lab’s robotic arm in the background. Credit: CMSA

Astronauts Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping, the first Chinese woman to perform a spacewalk, stepped outside China’s space station Sunday for an excursion lasting more than six hours to ready the orbiting lab’s robotic arm for operations.

Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/09/chinas-first-female-spacewalker-helps-outfit-space-station-robotic-arm/

[Orionid]

Chinese astronaut pair complete six-hour spacewalk
by Andrew Jones — December 26, 2021 [SN]


Outside view from the Tianhe space station module during the second Shenzhou-13 EVA, Dec. 26, 2021. Credit: CMSA

HELSINKI — Two Shenzhou-13 astronauts embarked on a six-hour extravehicular activity Sunday to install equipment outside China’s Tianhe space station module.

Astronaut Ye Guangfu, wearing a Fetian EVA suit with yellow markings, opened the Tianhe airlock hatch at 5:44 a.m. Eastern Dec. 26 before exiting the space station module, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Source: https://spacenews.com/chinese-astronaut-pair-complete-six-hour-spacewalk/

[Orionid]

China’s space station maneuvered to avoid Starlink satellites
by Andrew Jones — December 28, 2021 [SN]


An image from Tianhe panoramic camera A during the first Shenzhou-13 spacewalk in November 2021. Credit: CMSA/CCTV/Chinese Academy of Sciences

HELSINKI — China has informed the United Nations that its crewed space station twice maneuvered to avoid potential collisions with SpaceX Starlink satellites earlier this year.

Source: https://spacenews.com/chinas-space-station-maneuvered-to-avoid-starlink-satellites/

Update: Shenzhou-13 separates from Tianhe core module, to bring 3 taikonauts to Earth in 8 hours
By GT staff reporters Published: Apr 14, 2022 11:24 PM
   

Photo: courtesy of Dongfeng landing site

Carrying taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, the Shenzhou-13 manned spacecraft has successfully separated from the Tianhe space station core module by 0:44 am Saturday morning.

The three taikonauts have lived and worked in orbit for 183 days, the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts in a single mission, the Global Times learned from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Prior to the separation, the taikonauts had completed various works, such as setting the status of the combination of the core module and cargo spacecraft, sorting and downloading experiment data, and clearing and transferring supplies kept in orbit, with support from staff on the ground, the CMSA said.

The crew is expected to land in the designated Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in some eight hours after the separation.

The search and rescue teams at the Dongfeng landing site said they were already making preparations to receive the Shenzhou-13 crew. They have been carrying out tasks like closely monitoring weather conditions in the area and constructing systems for tracking and monitoring the flight of the spacecraft, read the latest posts by the Dongfeng site on its official WeChat public account.

"Please rest assured, the well-geared and effectively trained ground and air units would be there once the return capsule touches down," the search and rescue teams said in one post.


Photo: courtesy of Dongfeng landing site

Eyeing for frontier

Ahead of the Shenzhou-13's return, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping, during an inspection tour on Tuesday in the Wenchang Space Launch Site located in South China's Hainan Province, demanded efforts to upgrade the spacecraft launch site in the island province with world-leading standards.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. He extended his greetings to all the staff stationed at the site and asked them to shoulder their responsibility and be brave to innovate and make new breakthroughs.

After being briefed on the launch site, Xi inspected the launching tower and other facilities. He spoke highly of a series of key space missions launched from the site, including the launching of the space station core module Tianhe, the Chang'e-5 lunar mission, and the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.

Xi noted that Wenchang is the launch site of China's new-generation high thrust carrier rockets and the bridgehead of the country's deep-space exploration.

The launch site should continue to eye the frontier of global space development and the major strategic needs of China's space industry, and comprehensively improve its modern space launch capabilities, said Xi.

Xi mentioned that Wenchang staff should carefully prepare, coordinate and implement the tasks to ensure the success of missions, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress.

As the youngest member of China's spacecraft launch centers, the Wenchang spaceport successfully completed its first launch mission on June 25, 2016, with the maiden flight of China's Long March-7 carrier rocket. On November 3, 2016, the Long March-5 also took its first flight from the launch site.

Staff at the Wenchang spaceport reached by the Global Times said they were greatly encouraged and inspired by the speech from the top leader and vowed to ensure the success of future missions and contribute their wisdom and strength to making China a space power.

Dubbed the "home port for China's space station building missions," Wenchang was the launching site of the Tianhe core module, the Tianzhou-2 and the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecrafts on April 29, 2021, May 29, 2021, and September 20, 2021, respectively.

On April 11, ahead of Xi's visit, the Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft and the Long March-7 Y5 rocket commissioned for the launch mission arrived safely. The next launch is expected to be a third supply run to the Tianhe core module after the return of the crew of the Shenzhou-13.


Photo: courtesy of Dongfeng landing site

More than six months

The Shenzhou-13 trio of taikonauts, under the command of Zhai Zhigang, was launched to space with a Long March-2F Y13 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 16, 2021. They were scheduled to break the record of longest in-orbit stay for a single spaceflight mission in the country's space history. They have pulled that off.

The length of stay and their physical and psychological condition in orbit have effectively verified the capability to stay in China's space station in the long term and this is another achievement that suggests China has become a strong space power, Song Zhongping, a space analyst and TV commentator, told the Global Times.

The taikonauts of the Shenzhou-13 have conducted two successful spacewalks with Wang Yaping becoming the first Chinese woman in history to perform this maneuver.

The crew also delivered two Tiangong Classroom science lectures for students on Earth, connecting with youth from Beijing, Hong Kong, Macao, and Xinjiang and Xizang autonomous regions.

They have also played a significant part in many historic moments in China in the past six months, sending their greetings and congratulations during the Chinese New Year and joining the spectators of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games from space.

The crew completed more than 20 scientific experiments in orbit, including those focused on new technologies to monitor the taikonauts' wellbeing in space, innovation, and new discoveries as well as data collection.

These studies will give us a better understanding of how the weightless environment impacts human beings, and also provide a great experiment model to contribute to the study of general public health issues such as aging and heart diseases, said Li Yinghui, deputy chief designer of the country's taikonaut training system.

Experts noted that six months is an international standard for the duration of stays. However, China is not competing and has never sought to compete with other space powers. As long as the station is properly attended to and the goal of the mission is met, the duration does not matter, and taikonauts can take shifts to allow more people in the candidate pool to have a chance, ensuring the health and safety of taikonauts in orbit, Song said.

Pang Zhihao, a senior space expert, said the average length of orbital stay for the astronauts of the International Space Station is also about six months and China could reach this level as soon as in the second mission to the country's own space station, which is a great achievement.

Analysts said the success of the first six-month mission has laid the foundation for future manned missions which would allow more room for imagination that amateur taikonauts, such as flight engineers, space scientists and even foreign astronauts would have no problem living and working in China's space station once it is fully completed.

Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov recently said in an interview that China's space program is "good and fast," and that China "knows how to do things" when it comes to manned spaceflights. He and his colleagues are willing to participate in China's space programs if China allows it, be they near-Earth orbit missions or deep-space explorations to the Moon and Mars.

Shao Limin, deputy technology manager of manned spaceship systems, told the Global Times that the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft will fly five orbits before returning to Earth, which is 13 orbits less than the Shenzhou-12 mission. It will take about seven to eight hours.

The fast-return technique requires little adjustment to the hardware and software of the spacecraft, but mainly making the flight control more compact, Shao said.

"We have prepared a day for the return of the taikonauts. Although such duration meets the standards, a day of flight in the tight cabin is uncomfortable for them, especially after they have spent six months in space. We want our taikonauts to return in a shorter time. That is why we decided to adopt the fast return technique," Shao noted.

Bai Linhou, deputy chief designer of China's space station, said in an interview that two experimental modules are expected to be launched in the second half of this year. The verification and assembly work of the modules is progressing smoothly.

Both lab modules have a length of over 17 meters and a diameter of over 4 meters.

The Wentian module is positioned to carry out space science experiments inside and outside the cabin. It has an airlock through which taikonauts can exit, and a small robotic arm which can be used alone or combined with the large mechanical arm of the space station.

It can also serve as a backup to the core cabin, Bo said. If malfunction occurs in the core cabin, the Wentian module can replace it immediately, improving the reliability of the entire station's operation.

The other lab module, the Mengtian, has a cargo airlock. The small robotic arm on the lab module can also grab payload via the airlock and install them onto the experiment platform outside the cabin.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202204/1259381.shtml

"Absolutely yes": vice chief designer on whether China's Tiangong can become space post house for mankind
By Fan Wei (Global Times) 15:17, April 16, 2022

Will China's Tiangong space station become a station shared by all mankind? Bai Linhou, vice chief designer of the space station, said "absolutely yes" in an exclusive interview with the Global Times, as the space station can be expanded technically and has reserved docking hatches.

With three taikonauts returning to Earth on Shenzhou-13 on Saturday, China's space station completed its key technology verification and is in the assembly and construction phase -- the consecutive successes of China's space station development make it the new hope as the International Space Station will be retired soon.

China has showed an open and inclusive attitude repeatedly for the use of China's space station. Director of China Manned Space Engineering Office Yang Liwei said, "As always, we hold an open attitude toward international cooperation and we welcome more countries to join us in conducting research in space" at the two sessions this year.

Yang said from the engineering aspect, China has reserved resources for possible international cooperation, ranging from small experiments to large-scale cooperation at cabin level. The space station has reserved docking hatches for future international cooperation.

China is open to different countries and institutes in developing manned space cause. There are 9 experiments in cooperation with other countries at the space station and there will be more, and even joint spaceflights in the future, according to Yang.

Bai told the Global Times that China's space station is independently developed by China, but it's also an inclusive space station. It is to make Chinese contributions to the peaceful use of space.

"We are glad to have such cooperation and the space station was designed in a way that foreign astronauts can adapt to," Bai said.

Russian astronaut Anton Shkaplerov, who just returned to Earth in March this year, said in a recent interview that China's space program is "good and fast," and that he and his colleagues are willing to participate in China's space programs if China allows it.

Dmitry Rogozin, director of Russian Space Agency, also said in an interview with Chinese media that China and Russia can cooperate in the field of manned spaceflight. China and Russia can explore the construction of new modules and cabins.

For Rogozin's idea, Bai said technically China's space station can be expanded by adding more cabins. "It is workable, but needs to match current cabins."

The Global Times learned that China's space station has one core module and two experiment modules, which is an appropriate scale with room for expansion rather than a large one like the International Space Station. The decision is made based on current needs and costs.

The space station can meet demands for key scientific research but can also be expanded and be able to receive other spacecraft.

The three modules form an asymmetrical "T" and can be expanded by assembling more modules with the help of robotic arms.

Foreign astronauts have two ways to enter China's space station -- by a China-launched spacecraft, or by their own spacecraft that can dock at the space station. "But this is what we need to consider in the long-term operation. The prioritized task is to complete construction of our space station, and then to consider the deeper and wider international cooperation," Bai said.

As the International Space Station is about to retire, the China's space Station is expected to become the only space station for mankind in space for a period of time. In this regard, Bai believes that China does not pursue such "uniqueness", but aims to build the space station into a national-level space experiment platform for the world.

As for whether the Chinese space station can take on the mission of the International Space Station and become a new post house for mankind in space, Bai was confident, saying "of course."

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Bianji)
http://en.people.cn/n3/2022/0416/c90000-10084952.html

[Orionid]

China aims to complete space station in another huge year in space
by Andrew Jones — January 3, 2022 [SN]


A view of the Sun on the horizon from Tianhe ahead of the Shenzhou-12 docking. Credit: BACC/CCTV/screenshot

HELSINKI — This year, China’s main space contractor will target more than 40 orbital launches, including completion of the Tiangong space station, following 48 successful launches in 2021.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) stated on social media that it is targeting more than 40 launches, including six missions to complete the construction of the country’s space station.

Source: https://spacenews.com/china-aims-to-complete-space-station-in-another-huge-year-in-space/

China proposes formal lines of communication with U.S. on space safety
by Jeff Foust — February 15, 2022 [SN]


While Chinese officials said they contacted the U.S. about two close approaches of Starlink satellites with their space station, U.S. officials said they heard nothing from China about the encounters. Credit: SpaceX

WASHINGTON — The Chinese government is open to establishing formal lines of communication with the United States on space safety issues after a pair of alleged close calls of Starlink satellites with China’s space station.

At a Feb. 10 press conference, Zhao Lijian, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated claims the country made to the United Nations in December that it had to maneuver its space station twice in 2021 to avoid close approaches by SpaceX Starlink satellites.

“China was fulfilling the international obligation stipulated by Article V of the Outer Space Treaty by informing the U.N. of the Starlink satellites’ dangerous approach to the Chinese space station that threatened the safety of in-orbit Chinese astronauts,” he said according to a government transcript, adding that the “in-orbit Chinese astronauts were facing real and urgent safety threats.”
https://spacenews.com/china-proposes-formal-lines-of-communication-with-u-s-on-space-safety/

Może i Chiny przejmą z czasem kosmicznych turystów od Rosjan ? (2)

Exclusive: China looks to have foreign astronauts on board its space station some day
10-Mar-2022 Sun Ye, Cao Qingqing [CGTN]



Zhou Jianping, the chief designer of China's manned space program, said he's looking forward to having foreign astronauts on board the country's space station after it is completed and can operate stably and safely.

"We would actively promote foreign astronauts' participation in the work in China's space station, which is an important part of international cooperation. You look forward to it, I look forward to it too," Zhou told CGTN in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Two Sessions, a key event on its annual political calendar.

China's space station, which is still in the stage of key technology verification, will enter the in-orbit construction period starting from May, according to Zhou, who's also a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body.

"In the early stage of China's space station, we need to first guarantee all the key technology verification, the completion of the construction work and then the safe and smooth operation of the station," he said.

A year of work in 2021 has equipped the space station with a core module and a robotic arm that helps with astronauts' spacewalks and other unmanned assembly work.

Two crewed missions, Shenzhou-12 and Shenzhou-13, sent a total of six Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, to the core module of the space station.

Six missions have been planned this year to complete the construction of the space station, including the launches of two cargo vessels, two manned spaceships and two lab modules.

The space expert also revealed more details about the upcoming crewed missions, the openness of the space station to international scientists, scientific projects to be conducted there, and the prospect of the private sector's participation in the program.

The following excerpts from the interview with Zhou have been edited for clarity and brevity.

CGTN: You've revealed some plans for the manned space program this year. They've been described as "closely connected and allowing for no glitch." Could you elaborate on that?

Zhou: Starting from May, we will enter a new stage with many missions. Our focus is to make sure that every launch, every rendezvous and docking, every moment in the flight of the space station to be safe, reliable, trouble-free and that each mission is a complete success.

During the Shenzhou-14 crew's stay in orbit, the two lab modules will rendezvous and dock with the core module. Not only that, the robotic arm will re-position the lab modules to different berths.

When the lab modules are in place, the basic structure of the space station will be completed.

Then, the Shenzhou-15 crew will fly to the space station, taking over the following work.

For the Shenzhou-15 crew, much of their work will turn to scientific experiments. As we have said before, setting up the space station is for scientific exploration and the development of space resources.

Of course, their tasks will also include the management and maintenance of the space station, which is complex and challenging.

CGTN: How will the changing tasks affect the makeup of future space crew?

Zhou: When the space station is completed and running, it will enter a new stage. The focus will then be shifted to scientific researches and the exploration of space resources. The space station will help us explore what is unknown in the universe.

Also, with the conditions provided by the space station and the unique environment in space, astronauts can conduct scientific experiments that will contribute to the economic development of human society. That is why we will have flight engineers and payload specialists among future crews to the space station. It will be a new phase for our manned space program.

CGTN: You said that when China's space station is up and running, there will be participation from the commercial or private sector. How will this work?

Zhou: The commercial or private sector's involvement in space programs has been big at home and abroad. This shows how the space sector has become increasingly important in economic development.

We've been actively promoting the trend. When our space station is completed and running, we will actively encourage the private sector to engage in China's manned space program in various ways.

There are many possibilities. We hope there will be competitive, cost-efficient commercial space players to participate in areas including space application and space resource development. The prospects are good.

CGTN: As we're in for more scientific explorations, at this stage, when the space station is being completed and the space lab is soon to start running, what would the "openness" you've talked about look like?

Zhou: When the space station project was approved, we were clear from the start with the goal of making the space station a national space lab. So it's built for space scientific studies and the exploration of space resources. That's our guideline. So the scientific facilities, experiment equipment were designed and put up to that end.

The facilities are high-level and good for scientific researches in different space-relevant areas. What we've sent up covers quite a few fields, including space bio-life science, material science, microgravity fluid mechanic, combustion and fundamental physics. They are quite inclusive.

So the space station will provide good experimental conditions for scientists.

I know many scientists and engineers are looking closely on the opportunities to do experiments in China's space lab. It's a great thing. The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) has said many times that we are actively promoting the openness of China's space lab to domestic and international scientists and engineers.

Internationally, a lot has been done. For example, we have nine international projects coming from a joint recruit and selection between us and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. These projects will go up in space later and be implemented there.

The CMSEO has signed many such MOUs with other countries' space agencies.

In fact, when designing the facilities for the space station, Chinese scientists already cooperated with international scientists.

We have published the experimental conditions that can be offered in China's space station, including specifics for its interface and environment. We are also drafting standards for scientific experiments to be conducted in the space station. These standards would be national standards, and some would even be international standards.

All the work is to make international cooperation easier and smoother in China's space station.

CGTN: There are many projects hoping to make it to China's space lab. What's the selection process?

Zhou: The space station has the facilities and equipment for scientific experiments. And to use them, you first need to comply to the interface requirements. Besides, it's a manned space station, so there are requirements for reliability and safety. You need to meet medical standards. And, if you need astronauts to take part in them, you need to meet the standards in ergonomics, making sure that the operations are feasible. You also need to meet safety standards. These are the basic requirements.

Furthermore, you need to be aiming for breakthroughs, right? It's a rare opportunity to go to space, so we try to select the projects that will really boost advances in science and in application.

CGTN: When will foreign astronauts be on board China's space station?

Zhou: Foreign astronauts' participation in the program is an important part of international cooperation. I know many people, many of our international friends are interested. And we think it's very important.

But the space station is still at the stage of key technology verification, and to next embark on in-orbit construction. So in the early stage of China's space station, we need to first guarantee all the key technology verification, the completion of construction and then the safe and smooth operation of the station.

We would actively promote foreign astronauts' participation in the work in China's space station, which is an important way of international cooperation. You look forward to it, and I look forward to it too.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-03-10/China-looks-to-have-foreign-astronauts-on-board-its-space-station-18i4NtoNby0/index.html

China to open space station to commercial activity
by Andrew Jones — March 11, 2022 [SN]


A view from China's Tianhe space station core module ahead of the Shenzhou-12 docking in 2021. Credit: CCTV/BACC/screenshot

HELSINKI — China is planning to open its space station to commercial missions and activities, according to a senior human spaceflight program official.

“When our space station is completed and running, we will actively encourage the private sector to engage in space through various ways,” Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China’s human spaceflight program, told China Central Television March 9.
https://spacenews.com/china-to-open-space-station-to-commercial-activity/

Chinese spacecraft reenters atmosphere ahead of new space station missions
by Andrew Jones — March 31, 2022 [SN]


TIanzhou-2 separates from the Tianhe core module on March 27, 2022. Credit: CMSA/BACC

HELSINKI — China deorbited the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft Thursday after testing on-orbit docking, refueling and module transposition for the Chinese space station.

Tianzhou-2 reentered the atmosphere over the South Pacific at 6:40 a.m. Eastern March 31, China’s human spaceflight agency, CMSA, announced minutes after the event. The area of the ocean is frequently used as a “spacecraft cemetery.”

Source: https://spacenews.com/chinese-spacecraft-reenters-atmosphere-ahead-of-new-space-station-missions/

China gears up for new space station missions, record-breaking crew set to return home
by Andrew Jones — April 14, 2022 [SN]


Liftoff of the Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft on September 20, 2021.

HELSINKI — A Long March rocket arrived at Wenchang spaceport Monday in preparation for a new round of space station missions starting May.

The Long March 7 rocket was delivered to Wenchang after a near week-long voyage from the northern port city of Tianjin, China’s human spaceflight agency announced April 11.

The rocket is planned to launch the roughly 13.5-metric-ton Tianzhou-4 cargo vessel next month to China’s Tianhe space station core module.

Tianzhou-4 will deliver supplies and propellant for the Shenzhou-14 crewed mission, expected to launch from Jiuquan spaceport in the Gobi Desert in June.
https://spacenews.com/china-gears-up-for-new-space-station-missions-record-breaking-crew-set-to-return-home/

Chinese astronauts undock from space station, head for landing
April 15, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


Astronaut Wang Yaping, Zhai Zhigang, and Ye Guangfu on-board the Chinese space station. Credit: CMSE

Three Chinese astronauts packed up, boarded their landing capsule, and undocked from China’s space station Friday in preparation for a return to Earth after six months in orbit.

Commander Zhai Zhigang, astronaut Wang Yaping, and crewmate Ye Guangfu are closing out a 182-day mission, the longest-ever spaceflight by a Chinese crew. They launched Oct. 15 on the Shenzhou 13 spacecraft, and docked with the space station’s Tianhe core module six-and-a-half hours later.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/04/15/chinese-astronauts-undock-from-space-station-head-for-landing/

Chinese astronauts return to Earth after six-month mission on space station
April 16, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


China’s Shenzhou 13 spacecraft landed in Inner Mongolia to wrap up a 182-day mission. Astronaut Wang Yaping, smiling after her exit from the spacecraft, became the most experienced Chinese space flier. Credit: CCTV / Spaceflight Now

(...) After six months performing experiments, spacewalks, and preparing the station for future expansion, the Shenzhou 13 astronauts floated into their Shenzhou 13 spacecraft and closed hatches with the Tianhe core module Friday. The spacecraft undocked from the station’s nadir, or Earth-facing, port at 12:44 p.m. EDT (1644 GMT) while the lab soared nearly 240 miles (380 kilometers) above the planet, according the China Manned Space Agency. (...)
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/04/16/chinese-astronauts-return-to-earth-after-six-month-mission-on-space-station/

Shenzhou-13 astronauts return to Earth after 182-day mission
by Andrew Jones — April 16, 2022 [SN]


Recovery crews attend the Shenzhou-13 return capsule shortly after landing. Credit: CMSA/Li Yunxi

HELSINKI — Three astronauts safely returned to Earth April 15 after spending a national record 182 days in orbit, completing China’s second crewed space station mission. (...)

It was the first time that China had employed a “rapid return,” cutting the number of orbits after leaving Tianhe from 11 down to five. Landing nine hours after undocking.

Search and rescue teams reached the landing site soon after the capsule touched down, slowed by a main parachute and retrorockets shortly before impact. (...)
https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-13-astronauts-return-to-earth-after-182-day-mission/

China launches Tianzhou 4 cargo ship for space station
May 9, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


Four booster engines and two core stage engines fire to propel a Long March 7 rocket off its launch pad at the Wenchang launch base Monday. Credit: CCTV

China launched the Tianzhou 4 cargo freighter for the country’s space station Monday, beginning a resupply mission to stage hardware, propellant, and provisions at the complex before arrival of the next long-duration crew in June.

Chinese state television broadcasted the launch, which occurred at 1:56:37 p.m. EDT (1756:37 GMT) Monday, roughly the moment Earth’s rotation brought the Wenchang launch base on Hainan Island under the orbital plane of China’s space station.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/05/09/long-march-7-tianzhou-4-launch/

China rolls out rocket for Shenzhou-14 crewed mission
by Andrew Jones — May 29, 2022 [SN]


Rollout of the Long March 2F (Y14) on May 29, 2022, ahead of launch of Shenzhou-14 to the Chinese space station. Credit: OurSpace/CNSA

HELSINKI — China is preparing to launch three astronauts to its Tiangong space station to oversee a crucial phase of construction of the orbital outpost.

The Long March 2F rocket was rolled out to the pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert early on May 29. The 62-meter-long rocket was transferred vertically across the roughly 1,500 meters from the assembly building to the pad at no faster than 30 meters per minute.
https://spacenews.com/china-rolls-out-rocket-for-shenzhou-14-crewed-mission/

Rocket to launch China’s next space station module arrives at launch center
by Andrew Jones — May 31, 2022 [SN]


Components of the Long March 5B (Y2) to launch the Chinese space station core module at a facility in Tianjin. Credit: CMSA

HELSINKI — A Long March 5B rocket has arrived at Wenchang spaceport as China gears up to send its second space station module into orbit.

The components of the third Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket arrived at Wenchang May 29, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) announced (Chinese).
https://spacenews.com/rocket-to-launch-chinas-next-space-station-module-arrives-at-launch-center/

[Orionid]

Chinese astronauts prep for six-month space station construction flight
June 4, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


A Chinese Long March 2F rocket with the Shenzhou 14 spacecraft rolled to the launch pad at the Jiuquan space center May 29. Credit: CASC

Three Chinese military pilots are ready for launch Saturday on a Long March 2F rocket to begin a six-month expedition to help expand China’s space station in low Earth orbit, a mission slated to include the arrival of two modules and multiple spacewalks.

Chinese officials publicly revealed the crew of the Shenzhou 14 mission Saturday, less than 24 hours before the astronauts are set to blast off from the Jiuquan launch base in the Gobi Desert of northwestern China.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/06/04/chinese-astronauts-prep-for-six-month-space-station-construction-flight/

Shenzhou-14 crewed mission arrives at Chinese space station
by Andrew Jones — June 5, 2022 [SN]


A view from the Tianhe core module after the docking of the Shenzhou-14 crewed spacecraft. Credit: CCTV/framegrab

HELSINKI — China’s Shenzhou-14 crewed spacecraft docked with the Tianhe space station module early Sunday, marking the start of a crucial six-month-long mission.

Shenzhou-14 completed a fast automated rendezvous and docking with the Tianhe module at 5:42 a.m. Eastern, June 5, marking the safe arrival of astronauts Chen Dong (commander), Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe.
https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-14-crewed-mission-arrives-at-chinese-space-station/

Chinese crew arrives at space station for six-month construction mission
June 5, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


A Long March 2F rocket lifts off with the Shenzhou 14 mission at 10:44 p.m. EDT Saturday (0244 GMT Sunday). Credit: CASC

China’s Shenzhou 14 spacecraft glided to an automated docking at the Tiangong space station Sunday, hours after launching with three astronauts to begin a six-month mission that will see the outpost triple in size with the arrival of two new 20-ton research modules.

Commander Chen Dong monitored the Shenzhou 14 spacecraft’s on-board systems throughout the rendezvous and docking with the Tiangong space station. Chen is joined on the Shenzhou 14 mission by astronauts Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/06/05/chinese-astronauts-arrive-at-tiangong-space-station-for-six-month-construction-mission/

China looks to launch liquid propellant rockets from the seas
by Andrew Jones — June 30, 2022 [SN]


Liftoff of the Long March 11 from a mobile platform in the Yellow Sea, June 5, 2019. Credit: China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).

TALLINN, Estonia — Chinese state-owned and commercial companies are developing capabilities to launch liquid propellant rockets from sea platforms to boost the country’s launch options.

China has already demonstrated the ability to launch the Long March 11 solid rocket from sea platforms. These have been facilitated by a new spaceport near Haiyang in the eastern coastal province of Shandong.

Now, private firms including Orienspace and the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) are developing larger, liquid propellant Gravity series rockets and adapted Long March 8 launchers for sea launches.
https://spacenews.com/china-looks-to-launch-liquid-propellant-rockets-from-the-seas/

China prepares for July 24 launch of second space station module
by Andrew Jones — July 14, 2022 [SN]


An image from Tianhe panoramic camera A during the first Shenzhou-13 spacewalk in November 2021. Credit: CMSA/CCTV/Chinese Academy of Sciences

Hausjärvi, FINLAND — China is gearing up to send a second module to its under-construction space station with a launch from the coastal Wenchang spaceport later this month.

A Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket will launch the roughly 22-ton Wentian experiment module around 02:20 a.m. ET (0620 UTC) July 24, according to recently announced area clearance notices consistent with such a launch.
https://spacenews.com/china-prepares-for-july-24-launch-of-second-space-station-module/

China’s heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket rolls out with new space station module
July 18, 2022 Stephen Clark [SN]


The Long March 5B rocket slated to launch the Wentian module to China’s space station emerges from its assembly building Monday at the Wenchang launch base on Hainan Island. Credit: CMSE

China moved a heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket to its launch pad Monday in preparation for liftoff this weekend with a 22-ton module for the country’s Tiangong space station, a mission that could end with another uncontrolled re-entry of the Long March 5B’s large core stage.

The powerful launcher rolled from its assembly building to the launch pad Monday at the Wenchang launch center on Hainan Island in southern China. The Wentian module for China’s space station is encapsulated inside the rocket’s payload fairing.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/18/chinas-heavy-lift-long-march-5b-rocket-rolls-to-launch-pad-with-new-space-station-module/

Second module docks at China’s space station, large rocket stage tracked in orbit
by Andrew Jones — July 24, 2022 [SN]


Liftoff of the third Long March 5B rocket, carrying the Wentian space station module into orbit on July 24, 2022. Credit: CNSA/Ourspace

HELSINKI — China added a new experiment module to its space station Sunday, following a high-profile launch from the country’s coastal spaceport.

The Wentian experiment module launched atop of a Long March 5B rocket at 2:22 a.m. Eastern from the Wenchang spaceport on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, with crowds watching on from nearby public beach areas.
https://spacenews.com/second-module-docks-at-chinas-space-station-large-rocket-stage-tracked-in-orbit/

New science lab for China’s space station launches on Long March 5B rocket
July 24, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


A Long March 5B rocket lifts off with the Wentian module bound for China’s Tiangong space station.Credit: CASC

China’s heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket launched Sunday with the second major element of the Chinese Tiangong space station, sending the 25-ton Wentian science module on course for docking at the orbiting outpost.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/24/long-march-5b-wentian-launch/

Wentian science module docks with China’s space station
July 24, 2022 Stephen Clark [SFN]


This illustration shows the configuration of the Tiangong space station after docking of the Wentian module (left) to the Tianhe core module (right). A Shenzhou crew spacecraft and Tianzhou cargo ship are also docked at the station. Credit: China Manned Space Agency

China’s Tiangong space station received a new room Sunday with the docking of the Wentian laboratory module, a half-day after launching on a heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket. The three-person crew on the Chinese space station later opened hatches and floated inside the new science module for the first time.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/07/24/wentian-science-module-docks-with-chinas-space-station/

China to complete selection of new taikonauts this year: space agency
Xinhua | Updated: 2023-05-29 16:10

JIUQUAN -- The selection of the fourth batch of taikonauts, China's new generation of astronauts, is proceeding as planned and will be completed by the end of this year, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced at a press conference on Monday.

The selection process was launched in 2022 and will result in 12 to 14 reserve taikonauts being picked, each with different specialisms, such as spacecraft pilots, flight engineers and payload specialists, said CMSA Spokesperson Lin Xiqiang.

"For the first time, the post of payload specialist is open to people from Hong Kong and Macao," Lin noted.

By March 2023, the first stage of the selection process had been completed, and more than 100 candidates then entered the second round, including more than 10 from Hong Kong and Macao.

According to Lin, candidates for the space pilot role are selected from among active military pilots, while flight engineers and payload experts are taken from industrial sectors as well as colleges and universities.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202305/29/WS64745df9a310b6054fad59fb.html

[Orionid]

Chiny zapowiadają rozbudowę stacji do 6. modułów o masie 180 ton ( obecne 3 moduły mają po ok. 22 ton).
Będzie to możliwe dzięki połączeniu z CSS wielofunkcyjnego modułu z sześcioma portami.
Trwają także prace nad  modułami nadmuchiwanymi.
Czyli Chiny biorą przykład z przetestowanych już gdzie indziej rozwiązań.

China to send new modules and co-orbiting spacecraft to Tiangong space station
Andrew Jones October 4, 2023 [SN]

Expansion hubs, new modules, inflatable habitats and more planned for China’s space station


Plans for expanding the Tiangong space station. Credit: Andrew Jones/SpaceNews

(...) A Hubble-class co-orbiting space telescope, named Xuntian, is planned to be launched around 2024. It will be able to dock with Tiangong for maintenance, repairs, refueling and upgrades.

Zhang’s presentation also noted that more spacecraft will “probably fly co-orbitally with CSS [Chinese space station] to receive on-orbit services.”

The CSS will gradually play an important role as a “space home port,” according to Zhang. (...)
https://spacenews.com/china-to-send-new-modules-and-co-orbiting-spacecraft-to-tiangong-space-station/

China rolls out rocket for Shenzhou-17 mission to Tiangong
Andrew Jones October 19, 2023 [SN]


The Long March 2F rocket to launch Shenzhou-17 being transferred to the pad at Jiuquan, Oct. 19, 2023. Credit: CMSEO

NEW DELHI, India — A crew of three astronauts is set to launch to China’s Tiangong space station next week for a six-month-long mission.

A Long March 2F rocket was rolled out to the pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, northwest China, early Oct. 19. The rocket is tipped with the Shenzhou-17 crew spacecraft and a telltale escape system atop the payload fairing.
https://spacenews.com/china-rolls-out-rocket-for-shenzhou-17-mission-to-tiangong/

[Orionid]

China discloses tasks of Shenzhou-18 crewed space mission
Source: Xinhua Editor: huaxia 2024-04-24 10:07:46


A press conference is held in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 24, 2024. Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu will carry out the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceflight mission, and Ye will be the commander, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Wednesday. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua)

(...) During the mission, the country's first in-orbit aquatic ecological research project will be implemented. Using zebrafish and goldfish algae to establish a self-cycling aquatic ecosystem in orbit, the project aims to make to a breakthrough in the cultivation of vertebrates in space, according to Lin.

The world's first in-orbit stem cell study on the plant's stem tips will be made to reveal the mechanism of plant evolutionary adaptation to gravity and provide theoretical support for space cropping, said Lin.

The Shenzhou-18 astronauts will carry out two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs), implement six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module.

During the EVAs, the astronauts will install space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables and critical equipment, and carry out extravehicular inspections, as appropriate, to further safeguard the safety of the space station, said Lin. ■
https://english.news.cn/20240424/560ffef95eb94bdd9ef9dee957d4e224/c.html

China to launch Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship on April 25
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-04-24 12:05:45


This undated photo shows Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu (C), Li Cong (R) and Li Guangsu who will carry out the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission. Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu will carry out the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceflight mission, and Ye will be the commander, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Wednesday. (Xinhua)

(...) After entering orbit, the Shenzhou-18 spaceship will perform a fast automated rendezvous and docking with the radial port of the space station core module Tianhe in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft, Lin said.

During their stay in orbit, the Shenzhou-18 crew will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, Lin said.

The space station combination is now in a stable status with all equipment functioning well. Product qualities of the Shenzhou-18 spaceship and the Long March-2F carrier rocket are under control, Lin added.

The Shenzhou-18 crew is in good condition, while the ground system facilities are in stable operation. All preparations for the launch have been completed, Lin said. (...)
https://english.news.cn/20240424/f15be1b0171c496c98d581eb49ebc68c/c.html

Shenzhou-18 set for launch at 8:59 pm on April 25, marking China's 32nd manned flight into space
By Fan Anqi in Jiuquan Published: Apr 24, 2024 12:31 PM

(...) Compared with the previous Long March-2F used in the Shenzhou-17 mission, the new rocket has undergone 32 technical improvements, making it safer and more reliable. The reliability assessment of the rocket has been increased from 0.9896 to 0.9903, and its safety assessment has reached 0.99996, according to information shared by rocket developers with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).

Since the space station started construction, the Long March-2F rocket has entered a normalized fast-paced launch state.

In order to quickly and stably send taikonauts into space, the rocket development team has continuously explored the optimization of the launch site preparation process. Now, the preparation process of the Long March 2F rocket has been reduced from 49 days in the early stage to 30 days, according to CALT.

Moreover, the development team has also used digital means such as remote measurement and control support systems to achieve real-time interconnection of rocket test data, making data interpretation more efficient and accurate. At the same time, the number of launch site personnel has been reduced by about 40 percent, further improving work efficiency.

As the country's only active manned launch vehicle, the Long March-2F rocket has been specially designed with a unique fault detection system and escape rescue system. Over the past 20 years, it has maintained a 100 percent launch success rate. Although the escape rescue system has never been used, researchers made numerous improvements and refinements behind the scene to better safeguard the taikonauts' safety.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202404/1311183.shtml

China reveals Shenzhou-18 crew for next space station mission
Holly Chik Published: 4:14pm, 24 Apr 2024

(...) Deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency Lin Xiqiang said the crew would begin China’s first in-orbit aquatic ecology project.

Lin told reporters on Wednesday that the mission would establish a stable “self-circulating aquatic ecosystem” in orbit using zebrafish and hornwort, with the goal of achieving a “breakthrough in cultivating vertebrates in space”.

Scientists view the zebrafish as a model vertebrate because of its relatively small and simple brain. With its fully sequenced genome, the tiny freshwater species has helped scientists make new discoveries and technological advancements.

Last month, for example, a Chinese research team created real-time imagery of the 100,000 neurons in a zebrafish, which could lead to advances in mind-controlled computers. (...)
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3260183/china-reveals-shenzhou-18-crew-next-space-station-mission

Shenzhou-18 taikonauts start journey to space station for more sci-tech experiments
Source: Xinhua Editor: huaxia 2024-04-25 22:19:45


 
JIUQUAN, April 25 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship that will send three taikonauts to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission.

The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off at 8:59 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

About 10 minutes after the launch, the Shenzhou-18 spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The crew members are in good shape and the launch is a "complete success," the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced. (...)
https://english.news.cn/20240425/f04070d8817a42f69f1c74dcb0a7cf32/c.html

China’s Shenzhou-18 crew arrive at Tiangong space station
Andrew Jones April 25, 2024 [SN]


A mission control representation of the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft approaching Tiangong's radial docking port, April 25, 2024. Credit: CMSEO

HELSINKI — China’s latest crew of three astronauts arrived at the Tiangong space station Thursday following launch from Jiuquan spaceport in the Gobi Desert.

The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft completed rendezvous and docking with Tiangong’s radial docking port at 3:32 p.m. Eastern (1932 UTC), April 25, China’s human spaceflight agency announced shortly after the event.

The Shenzhou-18 astronauts—commander Ye Guangfu and rookies Li Cong and Li Guangsu—will soon be greeted aboard Tiangong by the Shenzhou-17 crew upon opening of the hatch.
https://spacenews.com/chinas-shenzhou-18-crew-arrive-at-tiangong-space-station/
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/04/shenzhou-18/


Odłączenie Shenzhou-17 od CSS nastąpiło 30.04.2024 o 00:43 UTC {02:43 CEST).

China's Shenzhou-17 separates from space station combination, starts journey home
Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-04-30 10:48:00
   
JIUQUAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship separated from the country's space station combination at 8:43 a.m. Tuesday (Beijing Time), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Three astronauts aboard, Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin, are returning to Earth after staying in orbit for about half a year.

The CMSA said that prior to the separation, the Shenzhou-17 crew, with the assistance of the ground staff, completed various tasks such as setting the status of the space station combination, processing and transmitting the experimental data, and transferring remaining supplies, and then carried out handover work with the Shenzhou-18 crew. (...)
https://english.news.cn/20240430/d53e7825a89248368115d7e91139e2ec/c.html