China prepares to launch first space lab module between Sept. 29, 30

[Major Shaitan Singh]

JIUQUAN, Gansu, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China is making last-minute preparations to launch the country's first space laboratory module at the end of this week at a launch center in northwest China.

The unmanned Tiangong-1 module was originally scheduled to be launched into low Earth orbit between Sept. 27 and 30. However, the forecasted arrival of a cold air mass at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has pushed the launch back to Sept. 29 or 30, depending on weather and other factors.

"This is a significant test. We've never done such a thing before," said Lu Jinrong, the launch center's chief engineer.

A full ground simulation was conducted on Sunday afternoon to ensure that the module and its Long March 2F carrier rocket are prepared for the actual launch.

Just one month ago, a Long March carrier 2C rocket malfunctioned and failed to send an experimental satellite into orbit. The Tiangong-1 mission was subsequently rescheduled in order to allow engineers to sort out any problems that might occur during the launch.

The Tiangong-1 will stay in orbit for two years. During its mission, it will dock with China's Shenzhou-8, -9 and -10 spacecraft. Unmanned docking procedures will be essential for China's eventual goal of establishing a manned space station around 2020.

 

[aimarraul]

China's first space lab module to be launched on Sept. 29
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 09:10:34 FeedbackPrintRSS

The 8.5-ton Tiangong-1 spacecraft and the Long March II-F rocket stand at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Sept 20. The spacecraft is set to blast off at an appropriate time between Tuesday and Friday. (Source: China Daily/Shu Dong)


JIUQUAN, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's first space lab module Tiangong-1 is scheduled to be launched between 9:16 p.m. and 9:31 p.m. Thursday, a spokesman for China's manned space flight project said on Wednesday.

The unmanned module will conduct docking experiments after entering orbit.

The Tiangong-1 was originally scheduled to be launched into low Earth orbit between Sept. 27 and 30. The launch was then rescheduled for Sept. 29 or 30 due to weather conditions.