Aircraft name: Tiangong-1

Country of aircraft production: China

Launch time: September 29, 2011, 21:16:03.07 milliseconds< /p>

Launch location: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center Manned Space Launch Site (in Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region)

Launch purpose: Belongs to the second-stage space laboratory of the second step of space launch It is a phased mission to build China's first space laboratory and prepare for the third step of China Aerospace's construction of a space station.

Launch project: Complete the docking mission with Shenzhou-8 within three months after launch, and dock with Shenzhou-9 and Shenzhou-10 within two years.

Tiangong-1 (5 photos)

Screenshots of the aircraft: The picture on the right is a close-up view.

The significance of the launch: It indicates that China has the ability to build a preliminary space station, that is, a space station that will be unattended for a short period of time.

Launch vehicle: Improved Long March 2F launch vehicle

The packaging box of the Tiangong-1 target aircraft is the largest packaging box used by the China Academy of Space Technology so far. Its advanced reduction The shock and temperature control performance are the guarantee for the smooth delivery of Tiangong-1 to the launch site.

Technical difficulties: Two spacecraft must fly at high speed and arrive at the same location in space at the same time. If there is a mistake, there is a risk of collision.

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Origin of the name

The name "Tiangong No. 1" is reminiscent of the character in "Journey to the West", one of the four famous works in ancient China. The story "Havoc in Heaven". In addition, "Tiangong" is the Chinese nation's popular name for unknown space. Therefore, naming the target aircraft after "Tiangong-1" should be well received by the Chinese people. This aircraft is actually the prototype of a space experiment station. From "Shenzhou 7" to "Shenzhou 10" is to test the astronauts' space experiment capabilities and the technological maturity of docking space experiment stations. After that is the third step of the manned spaceflight project - to establish and manage a space experiment station. At that time, manned spacecraft and cargo spacecraft will be launched alternately. The scientific name of Tiangong-1 is "target aircraft" because several Shenzhou spacecraft launched subsequently will dock with it to improve the aircraft rendezvous and docking technology. In the words of professionals, "Tiangong-1" is not only a target aircraft for space rendezvous and docking, but also a simple space laboratory. China plans to use this platform to conduct relevant technical tests of the space laboratory.

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Structure

The Tiangong-1 space laboratory is about 10.4 meters long, has a maximum diameter of 3.35 meters, and weighs about 8.5 tons. It uses two cabins. The structures are respectively the experimental cabin and the resource cabin. The experimental cabin body is divided into a front cone section, a cylindrical section and a rear cone section; the sealed front cone section and column section provide on-orbit living and working space for astronauts to stay for a short period of time and can accommodate three astronauts; the rear unsealed rear section The cone section is equipped with regenerative life support equipment; space rendezvous and docking equipment is also installed in front of the front cone section. The resource module includes engines and power devices, with a solar wing mounted externally to provide orbit and attitude control, power supply, and thermal and environmental control. The Tiangong-1 target aircraft will use five foldable solar panels, which is the most complex solar wing design for China's medium and low orbit spacecraft.

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Part of the information

Tiangong-1, launched in an unmanned state, will eventually welcome "visitors" from the earth. As a place where astronauts work and live, what kind of "home" is Tiangong-1? What else is included in the “home”?

●Indoor picture of the Tiangong-1 cabin for living in the artificial "Earth" environment. The interior of Tiangong-1 adopts a sophisticated color design. The color of the floor is dark ocher, which has a sense of stability of "earth". The soft gray-white color is used to avoid the irritation of pure white to the eyes, and it has a lightness of "heaven". The transitional color between "sky" and "earth" is between the two. The use of different color blocks makes the cabin an independent and orderly small world.

If humans want to stay in space for a long time, they must try to create a small environment suitable for human survival. In addition to maintaining regular environments such as appropriate temperature, humidity, pressure, and oxygen, "Tiangong" is also equipped with special "weapons" to control microorganisms and trace amounts of harmful gases. In addition, the water vapor produced by astronauts' breathing and perspiration is also automatically collected by a condensation water collection device at regular intervals. [1]

●The clothing sleeping bag is embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns

The blue astronaut sleeping bag is embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns on the outside. Compared with Shenqi's sleeping bag, its weight is significantly lighter, and its materials are also selected from the best. It has the characteristics of anti-flame retardant, anti-static, light weight, and adjustable tightness. "Tiangong" has also prepared thermal underwear, thermal pants, sports socks, sportswear, shorts, etc. for astronauts. The design of these clothes is quite special, mainly to consider the special needs of space work experiments. For example, some clothes are equipped with cable openings, and some pockets are used to place radiation measuring instruments. Since "Tiangong" has been operating at low pressure without people for a long time, it will cause accelerated aging of clothing materials. Researchers have conducted a large number of low-pressure storage tests on the ground and used professional equipment to pull clothing to ensure that the tensile strength and tear strength are qualified.

●There are many types of space food

Some space food has entered space with Tiangong-1, including vegetables, meat, fruits and water soup, etc., but these cannot be eaten. It's still just an experiment. Really edible space food has to wait for astronauts to take it to the sky with the spacecraft. These aerospace foods used for experiments will return to the ground with the docking manned spacecraft in the future. Researchers want to observe what changes will happen to them after they have been in the sky for a long time. In the future, the types of space food that will be sold to people will be very rich and more in line with the tastes of astronauts.

●Life in the leisure cabin is rich and colorful

“The life of an astronaut in the cabin is not monotonous.” Zhu Yilin, a researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, said, “ The "Tiangong" is equipped with physical training facilities and entertainment facilities for astronauts, and audio and video programs of interest to astronauts are pre-stored in laptops.

For the first time, Tiangong-1 carried space exercise equipment, such as special bicycles to exercise lower limb muscles; tensioners to exercise shoulder and back muscles; and lower body negative pressure tubes to exert negative pressure on the astronauts’ lower bodies, promoting Blood flows to the lower body, changing the flow of blood toward the head in a weightless environment.

Space Passengers

Chinese Knot + Seed + Flag

This time, Tiangong-1 not only carried "three space passengers": a Chinese knot flew on space, four endangered plant seeds and 300 International Astronautical Federation flags.

These 300 flags were sent to the International Space Station via the Russian Soyuz "TMA-20" manned spacecraft in December 2010, and were brought back to the ground by the U.S. Space Shuttle Endeavor in June this year.

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Technical features

First of all, Tiangong-1 must complete the rendezvous and docking mission. China's manned space development has adopted a three-step development strategy. From Shenzhou 1 to Shenzhou 6, it has realized that the manned spacecraft Tiangong 1[2] can safely send astronauts to the sky and return to the ground safely. This is the first The first-step development strategy; the second step is to solve extravehicular activities and rendezvous and docking technology; the third step is to build China’s space station. In the second step, Shenzhou 7 has achieved extravehicular activities and achieved technological breakthroughs, and rendezvous and docking is to solve the most critical and insurmountable technology in the construction of the space station. The future construction of the space station will be a combination of multiple cabin sections, and rendezvous and docking technology is the most critical technology and an important technical foundation.

Secondly, the Tiangong-1 target aircraft is the first low-orbit, long-life space vehicle developed and launched by our country. Its characteristics are different from that of a manned spacecraft, which is a means of transportation between heaven and earth. Tiangong-1 is mainly used for space science experiments of a certain scale, and at the same time completes rendezvous and docking missions to provide astronauts with working and living conditions. It can be said that Tiangong-1 is also the prototype of the future space laboratory.

Once again, the Tiangong-1 target aircraft adopts a number of new technologies. These new technologies are mainly used in space technology and are also used as early technical verification for the construction and testing of future space stations.

Finally, the Tiangong-1 target aircraft is the largest manned spacecraft currently developed by our country. In this largest manned spacecraft, we have made a number of humanized designs, providing astronauts with 15 cubic meters of working and living space, as well as exercise and entertainment facilities. Astronauts can achieve visual telephone communication with the ground and can also engage in personal entertainment activities.

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Four major tasks

First, the Tiangong-1 target aircraft serves as the target for rendezvous and docking, and cooperates with the spacecraft to complete the rendezvous and docking mission in space. .

Second, realize the control and management of the combination between the spacecraft and the Tiangong-1 target aircraft. After Shenzhou 8 and Tiangong 1 achieve rendezvous and docking in the air, the two aircraft are combined into one aircraft to achieve overall control and management of energy, information, thermal environment, attitude, orbit control, etc. This task is undertaken by Tiangong 1.

Third, realize the on-orbit residence, life and work of astronauts, and provide astronauts with the basic conditions needed to work and live in the assembly.

Fourth, conduct space technology experiments to conduct early technical verification for the construction of future space stations.

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Launch mission

The "Shenzhou VII" lifted off and the whole country was excited. After Shenzhou VII achieved a "space walk", China's space station is getting closer and closer to us.

According to the China Manned Space Engineering Network, the name of China’s future space station is “Tiangong”. This is a name with strong Chinese characteristics and the infinite longing of the Chinese people.

According to the plan, China has launched the "Tiangong-1" target aircraft in 2011. "Tiangong-1" is actually an experimental version of the space laboratory, adopting a two-cabin configuration, namely the experimental cabin and the resource cabin. After that, "Shenzhou 8" will be launched. "Shenba" is an unmanned Shenzhou spacecraft that conducts unmanned automatic docking tests with "Tiangong-1". Before 2015, two more space laboratories, "Tiangong-2" and "Tiangong-3", will be launched one after another. "Tiangong-2" will mainly carry out applications and experiments in the fields of earth observation and space earth system science, new space application technologies, space technology and aerospace medicine.

"Tiangong-3" will mainly complete tests to verify key technologies for regenerative life support, mid-term on-orbit residency of astronauts, and in-orbit tests of cargo spacecraft. It will also carry out some space science and aerospace medical experiments.

The space laboratory currently under development in our country adopts a two-chamber structure, namely the experimental cabin and the resource cabin. The experimental cabin can ensure the survival conditions of astronauts such as cabin pressure, temperature and humidity, and gas composition. It can be used for astronauts to work and live in orbit during their stay. The sealed rear cone section is equipped with equipment such as regeneration and life support. A docking mechanism, as well as rendezvous and docking measurement and communication equipment are installed at the front end of the experimental cabin to support rendezvous and docking with the spacecraft. The resource module powers orbital maneuvers and provides energy for flight. The key technology for the construction and implementation of the space station is "space rendezvous and docking". The process in which two or more spacecrafts arrive at the same location in space at the same time through coordination of orbital parameters is called rendezvous. Docking is to connect two spacecraft into a whole through a special docking mechanism on the basis of rendezvous. The system that realizes the rendezvous and docking of two spacecrafts in space is called the rendezvous and docking system.

Space rendezvous and docking technology is very difficult, because space laboratories are relatively large in size. When the space laboratory is launched, people are not installed. People are sent up later through space shuttles or spacecrafts. For people to enter the space laboratory, the space shuttle or spacecraft must be docked with the space laboratory. This is very difficult. Both the space laboratory and the space shuttle in space operate at high speeds, reaching speeds of more than 28,000 kilometers per hour. During the docking process, if the calculation is not accurate, a spacecraft collision may occur. Tiangong-1 simulated docking renderings [3] There are two control methods for space rendezvous and docking, one is manual control and the other is automatic control. Using manual control to complete space rendezvous and docking can improve the success rate of rendezvous and docking. The reliability of automatic control rendezvous and docking is particularly high, and there is no need to consider personnel safety and life-saving issues. In terms of spacecraft rendezvous and docking technology, the future development trend is to combine manual control and automatic control to improve the flexibility, reliability and success rate of rendezvous and docking.

At present, the maximum carrying capacity of our country's rockets is only 10 tons. Not only is it unable to launch a larger and heavier space laboratory, it also cannot meet the large amount of materials required by the space laboratory during its operation. Shipping requirements. In subsequent launches, a new generation of high-thrust Long March 5 rocket will be used. The Long March 5 rocket has a carrying capacity of up to 25 tons, which is basically equivalent to the top international level, and can meet the needs of launching space laboratories in low orbits.

The ultimate goal of mankind’s current manned space activities is to move laboratories into space and use the unique environment of microgravity and high vacuum in space to carry out life sciences, materials science and other experiments that cannot be carried out on the ground, thereby providing Benefit humanity. Space life science experiments can not only carry out plant breeding and invent new drugs, but also have many benefits in semiconductors, special materials, astronomy, earth observation, etc. Therefore, the construction of the space station starting from Shenzhou VII will bring a larger stage for scientific research. [4]

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The latest process

Introduction to docking

"Space rendezvous and docking", referred to as "rendezvous and docking", It is the most basic and critical technology for establishing a space station. Its principle is to allow two or more spacecrafts to arrive at the same location in space at the same time through the coordination of orbital parameters, and then connect them as a whole through a specialized docking mechanism. .

According to the degree of astronaut intervention and the level of intelligent control, rendezvous and docking can be divided into three methods: manual control, remote control and autonomous. The specific method is generally to first launch the target aircraft into orbit and accurately determine its orbit. When it flies over the launch site of the aircraft to be launched, the latter is selected to launch on the same orbit as the former, and the distance is controlled. Within a certain range, and then rely on the maneuverability of the aircraft itself to gradually connect the two as one.

Docking process

Tiangong-1 renderings China will make breakthroughs in the docking technology of unmanned and manned spacecraft during the Shenzhou-8, Shenzhou-9 and Shenzhou-10 missions, and build the first spacecraft called The space laboratory of "Tiangong-1". This was revealed by Zhang Jianqi, deputy commander-in-chief of the Manned Space Engineering Project and deputy commander-in-chief of the Shenzhou VII Mission Headquarters, in an exclusive interview with the China Manned Space Engineering Network.

After "Tiangong-1", "Shenzhou 8", "Shenzhou 9" and "Shenzhou 10" will be launched to dock with it. Regarding the type of docking, Zhang Jianqi said that "Shenzhou Eight" must be docked by no one. Whether it is "Shenzhou Nine" or "Shenzhou Ten" by someone is docking. It mainly depends on whether the rendezvous and docking of "Shenzhou Eight" goes smoothly. Only three dockings were successful. The second step Only then can all strategic goals be achieved.

The success of "rendezvous and docking" is undoubtedly the key to achieving strategic goals, and this is a universally recognized bottleneck of aerospace technology. In the early days of foreign manned space activities, spacecraft failed during the space rendezvous and docking process. For example, the Russian "Progress M3-4" spacecraft and the "Mir" space station "collided" during the docking process.

As for my country's rendezvous and docking technical strength, Qi Faren, the former chief designer of the Shenzhou spacecraft, said that the "Shenzhou" series of spacecrafts have undergone many technical improvements since "Shenzhou" 8, and have become a brand new way to travel between heaven and earth. aircraft. Among them, the rendezvous and docking function is its most important feature. The astronauts can control the spacecraft according to the TV images to keep it closely following the target aircraft.

Astronaut Selection

Regarding when women can join the ranks of Chinese astronauts, Wang Zhaoyao, spokesman for the China Manned Space Engineering Project and deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, said in 2008 A press conference held by the State Council Information Office on September 27 stated that China has no timetable for selecting female astronauts, but related topics are being studied.

Chen Shanguang, chief commander and chief designer of the astronaut system of the Manned Space Program, recently revealed that preparations for the selection of China’s new generation of astronauts have been completed, and it is expected that the selection will officially start after the Shenzhou VII mission is completed. The new generation of astronauts is still planned to be selected from Air Force pilots, and the number will not exceed the first batch of 14 people. Space Laboratory

Space Laboratory

The space laboratory under development in China adopts a two-chamber structure, namely the experimental cabin and the resource cabin. The experimental cabin can ensure the survival conditions of astronauts such as cabin pressure, temperature and humidity, and gas composition. It can be used for astronauts to work and live in orbit during their stay. The sealed rear cone section is equipped with equipment such as regeneration and life support. A docking mechanism, as well as rendezvous and docking measurement and communication equipment are installed at the front end of the experimental cabin to support rendezvous and docking with the spacecraft. The resource module powers orbital maneuvers and provides energy for flight.

The key technology for the construction and implementation of the space station is "space rendezvous and docking". The process in which two or more spacecrafts arrive at the same location in space at the same time through coordination of orbital parameters is called rendezvous. Docking is to connect two spacecraft into a whole through a special docking mechanism on the basis of rendezvous. The system that realizes the rendezvous and docking of two spacecrafts in space is called the rendezvous and docking system.

Space rendezvous and docking technology is very difficult, because space laboratories are relatively large in size. When the space laboratory is launched, people are not installed. People are sent up later through space shuttles or spacecrafts. For people to enter the space laboratory, the space shuttle or spacecraft must be docked with the space laboratory. This is very difficult. Both the space laboratory and the space shuttle in space operate at high speeds, reaching speeds of more than 28,000 kilometers per hour. During the docking process, if the calculation is not accurate, a spacecraft collision may occur.

Complete final assembly

The spokesperson of China’s manned space program stated on August 17, 2010 that my country’s manned space program’s first space rendezvous and docking target—Tiangong-1 "Shenzhou 8" will launch the Gong 1 target aircraft this year. The final assembly has been completed recently and it has fully entered the comprehensive testing stage of electrical performance. After completing a series of electrical, mechanical and thermal performance tests, the aircraft will be launched into a predetermined orbit in 2011, and then the Shenzhou 8 spacecraft will be launched to rendezvous and dock with it. The spokesman said that since the end of 2009, major flight products such as the Tiangong-1 target aircraft for rendezvous and docking missions, the improved Long March 2F launch vehicle and the improved Shenzhou manned spacecraft have successively completed various development stages of preliminary prototypes. The test work has been fully transferred to the prototype development stage.

At present, the preparations for the rendezvous and docking mission are progressing smoothly. The Shenzhou-8 spacecraft is undergoing final assembly; the improved Long March 2F rocket products are complete and comprehensive sub-system tests are underway; astronaut training for rendezvous and docking missions is in full swing, and my country's second batch of astronauts includes two female astronauts The pilots also participated in the training; various space science experiment load equipment carried by the Tiangong-1 target aircraft and the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft were successively delivered to the final assembly of the aircraft as planned, and preparations for the relevant ground support systems were fully advanced.

According to the plan, my country will launch the Tiangong-1 target aircraft and the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft in 2011 to conduct the first unmanned rendezvous and docking test of space vehicles. [5]

Complete system performance experiment

According to the Voice of China’s “Central Broadcasting News” report on March 4, news from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Space Technology Research Institute said , "Tiangong-1" has completed various system performance experiments, and the development of various space science experimental equipment for interface matching between systems and simulated flight tests is progressing smoothly. [6] Tiangong-1, which has completed its final assembly work, has now revealed its true face in Lushan. The volume of "Tiangong-1" is still much larger than that of the Shenzhou spacecraft. The first half is its experimental cabin, where astronauts and scientists mainly We will focus on the first half of the experiment.

Staff from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Space Technology Research Institute: The current "Tiangong-1" has completed the final assembly work, which means that our entire aircraft and the entire system are basically operational.

The comprehensive test is mainly a power-on test of "Tiangong-1". Scientific researchers will simulate various real working modes in the sky to conduct experiments, and carry out the most comprehensive and realistic test on each component of "Tiangong-1". According to the plan, our country will launch the "Tiangong-1" target aircraft and the "Shenzhou-8" spacecraft this year to conduct the first unmanned rendezvous and docking experiment of space vehicles.

Lifetime

In a previous interview, Zhang Jianqi, the former deputy commander-in-chief of China’s manned space program, revealed that Tiangong-1 weighs 8 tons and adopts a new design and many new technologies. The service life is two years. He further introduced that China's manned space project is divided into three steps: first, astronauts go to space; second, multiple people fly for multiple days and astronauts leave the cabin to achieve rendezvous and docking between the spacecraft and the space capsule, and launch short-term manned spacecraft. space laboratory; the third is to establish a permanent space station.

This launch is to complete the follow-up tasks of the second step and lay the foundation for completing the strategic goals of the third step. The soon-to-be-launched "Tiangong-1" is the prototype of China's first space laboratory. It weighs 8 tons and has a designed lifespan of 2 years.

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Related reports

Reported by China Broadcasting Network

According to Voice of China's "News Zongheng" on March 10, 2010 It was reported at 7:44 a.m. that China’s first space laboratory, Tiangong-1, will be launched in 2011 to fulfill its two-year mission in space and complete extravehicular activities, space rendezvous and docking tests and Targets such as launching long-term autonomous flights and manned space laboratories. Nearly two years have passed since Zhai Zhigang's spacewalk. After Tiangong-1, "Shenzhou 5" and "Shenzhou 6", how can China's manned space industry take the second step? Will China have female astronauts enter the "Tiangong"? Lieutenant General Zhang Jianqi, former deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, accepted an exclusive interview to clarify this series of question marks for you.

China’s manned spaceflight project is divided into three steps: the first step is for astronauts to fly into space. "Shenzhou 5" marks the completion of the first step of the mission. The second step is to realize multi-person multi-day flight, astronauts to exit the cabin, then complete the rendezvous and docking of the spacecraft and the space capsule, and launch a short-term manned space laboratory. "Shenzhou VI" and "Shenzhou VII" completed the previous part of the mission. Zhang Jianqi said that the follow-up tasks of the second step and the third step, which is the establishment of a permanent space laboratory, are now proceeding as planned. Zhang Jianqi: It is estimated that in 2011, that is, at the beginning of this year, the target aircraft will be launched first, and then the "Shenzhou VIII", "Shenzhou 9", and "Shenzhou 10" will be launched for docking. There must be no one docking with "Shenzhou Eight". As for whether it is "Shenzhou Nine" or "Shenzhou Ten" that someone is docking with, it mainly depends on whether the intersection and docking of "Shenzhou Eight" goes smoothly? After completing three dockings, the entire strategic goal of the second step has been completed. The third step will then be entered, which is to build our own space station and complete the three-step strategy. The target aircraft that Lieutenant General Zhang Jianqi mentioned is the often-called "Tiangong-1", which is an experimental version of the China Space Laboratory. Divine Eight, Divine Nine and Divine Ten will all be docked with it. The reporter noticed that the launch time of "Tiangong-1" was delayed by several months from the previously announced end of 2010. Zhang Jianqi said that appropriate adjustments are completely normal. In the choice between speed and ensuring foolproofness, astronauts choose the latter. Zhang Jianqi: After all, this is our first time doing this. To achieve a life span of two years. Weighing 8 tons, this has many new technological breakthroughs.

People's Daily

Looking into the distance·Staring from "Tiangong"

The red clouds have all gone, the autumn wind is strong, and we can look at the bright moon in the Tiangong in the distance. Can the golden osmanthus and osmanthus inside and outside the Yaochi solve the knot in Chang'e's heart? Drinking with Wu Gang, let me ask the Linglong Jade Rabbit: How to get rid of the overwhelming nostalgia? Passing Yinhan, there are thousands of mountains and mountains in an instant.

Qingyue. Looking back at the beautiful scenery of Kyushu, the pictures show the sentimental rivers and mountains. The dream of flying to the sky lasts for a long time, the love for holding the moon lasts for a long time, holding up the sky of the Great Wall. I send a message to the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. My home is not far away. I will say goodbye to the magpie from now on. Xinbuyao under the stage, relying on the wind to reap victory!

Xinhuanet Report

Xinhuanet, Beijing, March 3, 2010 (Reporters Ren Qinqin and Sui Xiaofei) Qi Faren, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a space technology expert, revealed to Xinhua News Agency reporters on the 3rd, China will launch the target aircraft "Tiangong-1" in 2011, and gradually implement three rendezvous and docking tests with Shenzhou-8, Shenzhou-9, and Shenzhou-10 within two years.

After that, "Tiangong-1" can be transformed into a short-term manned space laboratory. China's manned spaceflight project is divided into three steps. The first manned spacecraft stage has been successfully completed through Shenzhou 5 and 6, which sent Chinese astronauts into space, completed a multi-person multi-day flight, and accurately returned to the scheduled location; the second stage is the space laboratory stage , this stage must break through four key technologies to make technical preparations for the third step of space station construction. Qi Faren said that the space laboratory stage is currently underway. Its first technical key is extravehicular activities, and Shenzhou 7 completed this task; its second technical key is rendezvous and docking. Through the "Tiangong 1" space flight for about 2 years, it successively completed the mission with Shenzhou 8. We have made breakthroughs in the space docking of Shenzhou 9, Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 and basically mastered the technology of spacecraft rendezvous and docking. At present, foreign diplomatic docking technology has become mature and has begun to be applied in the assembly of large spacecrafts. The third key technology is replenishment, which supplies propellant, air, water, food, etc. to the aircraft; the fourth key is the regenerative life support system. Qi Faren revealed that Shenzhou 8 is an unmanned spacecraft, while Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 are manned spacecraft and will carry 2 to 3 astronauts. By then, it is not ruled out that the spacecraft will carry seeds from Taiwan. In addition, the concept of low carbon has also been applied to aerospace research. "The original propellant's main ingredients were polluted dinitrogen tetroxide and unbiased dimethylhydrazine, but now liquid oxygen, kerosene, etc. will be gradually used instead," Qi Faren said. Qi Faren is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics. He once served as the chief designer of the manned spacecraft system of China's manned space project.

(Lianhe Zaobao News) Hong Kong Ming Pao reported that China has strengthened its development in the space field. The China Manned Space Engineering Network announced yesterday that China's first space laboratory "Tiangong-1" has completed its final assembly and is scheduled to be launched next year and will dock with the subsequent launch of the "Shenzhou 8" spacecraft in space.

According to Xinhua News Agency, since the end of last year, major flight products such as the "Tiangong-1" target aircraft, the improved Long March 2F launch vehicle and the improved Shenzhou spacecraft that performed the rendezvous and docking mission have successively completed their initial missions. All development and testing work in the prototype stage will be fully transferred to the prototype development stage. At present, all equipment work for the rendezvous and docking mission is progressing smoothly. The "Shenzhou 8" spacecraft is undergoing final assembly; the components of the improved Long March 2F rocket have been assembled and comprehensive testing of subsystems is underway. Various space science experiment payload equipment carried by the "Tiangong-1" and "Shenzhou-8" spacecrafts have been delivered for final assembly as planned, and preparations for the relevant ground support systems have been fully advanced. According to the plan, China will launch "Tiangong-1" and "Shenzhou-8" successively in 2011 to conduct the first unmanned rendezvous and docking test of space vehicles. Qi Faren, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a space technology expert, revealed to Xinhua News Agency reporters on the 3rd that China will launch the target aircraft "Tiangong-1" in 2011 and gradually achieve three missions with Shenzhou 8, 9 and 10 within two years. rendezvous and docking test. Tiangong-1 Base After that, "Tiangong-1" can be transformed into a short-term manned space laboratory.

China’s manned spaceflight project is divided into three steps. The first manned spacecraft stage has been successfully completed through Shenzhou 5 and 6, which sent Chinese astronauts into space, completed a multi-person multi-day flight, and accurately returned to the scheduled location; the second stage is the space laboratory stage , this stage must break through four key technologies; make technical preparations for the third step of space station construction. Qi Faren said that the space laboratory stage is currently underway. Its first technical key is extravehicular activities, and Shenzhou 7 completed this task; its second technical key is rendezvous and docking. Through the "Tiangong 1" space flight for about 2 years, it successively completed the mission with Shenzhou 8. The space docking of No. 9, No. 10 and No. 10 made breakthroughs and basically mastered the technology of spacecraft rendezvous and docking. At present, foreign diplomatic docking technology has become mature and has begun to be applied in the assembly of large spacecrafts. The third key technology is replenishment, which supplies propellant, air, water, food, etc. to the aircraft; the fourth key technology is the regenerative life support system.

Qi Faren revealed that Shenzhou 8 is an unmanned spacecraft, while Shenzhou 9 and 10 are manned spacecraft and will carry 2 to 3 astronauts. By then, it is not ruled out that the spacecraft will carry seeds from Taiwan. In addition, the concept of low carbon has also been applied to aerospace research. "The original propellant's main ingredients were polluted dinitrogen tetroxide and unbiased dimethylhydrazine, but now liquid oxygen, kerosene, etc. will be gradually used instead," Qi Faren said.

Qi Faren is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics. He once served as the chief designer of the manned spacecraft system of China's manned space project.

Xinhua News Agency Two female astronauts prepare for Shenzhou 9

Following the unmanned "Shenzhou 8" spacecraft, the "Shenzhou 9" spacecraft launched in 2012 will be The astronaut training for the rendezvous and docking mission has been carried out comprehensively and orderly, including two female astronauts who also participated in the training.

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The current status of rockets

Every progress in China’s manned space industry means that a large number of technological breakthroughs must be completed, such as from the "Shenzhou V "For the first time, manned space flight was realized and the "Shenzhou VII" astronauts spacewalked. The spacecraft made more than 200 improvements. The same is true for the launch of Tiangong-1 this time. It is reported that the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has conducted comprehensive maintenance inspections and quality reviews on the facilities and equipment of the manned space launch site, and has completed 66 upgrades and transformations of the test and launch command and monitoring system. The Long March 2F carrier rocket that carried out this launch mission was mainly developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. In order to meet the requirements of the rendezvous and docking mission, relevant experts made nearly 170 technical status changes to its rocket. China's rocket has a maximum carrying capacity of only 10 tons, which not only cannot launch the larger and heavier space laboratory, but also cannot meet the transportation requirements for the large amount of materials required by the space laboratory during its operation. In subsequent launches, a new generation of high-thrust Long March 5 rocket will be used. The Long March 5 rocket has a carrying capacity of up to 25 tons, which is basically equivalent to the top international level, and can meet the needs of launching space laboratories in low orbits.

The ultimate goal of human manned space activities is to move laboratories into space and use the unique environment of microgravity and high vacuum in space to carry out life sciences, materials science and other experiments that cannot be carried out on the ground, thereby providing humankind with benefit.

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Space experiments

Experimental missions

Tiangong-1 aircraft model debuted in space life science experiments can not only carry out plant breeding , invent new drugs, and have many benefits in semiconductors, special materials, astronomy, earth observation, etc. Therefore, the construction of the space station starting from Shenzhou VII will bring a larger stage for scientific research. [7]

Experimental conditions

The space laboratory under development in China adopts a two-chamber structure, namely the experimental cabin and the resource cabin. The experimental cabin can ensure the survival conditions of astronauts such as cabin pressure, temperature and humidity, and gas composition. It can be used for astronauts to work and live in orbit during their stay. The sealed rear cone section is equipped with equipment such as regeneration and life support. A docking mechanism, as well as rendezvous and docking measurement and communication equipment are installed at the front end of the experimental cabin to support rendezvous and docking with the spacecraft. The resource module powers orbital maneuvers and provides energy for flight.

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Full tracking