China Space Military：Recon, Satcom, Navi, ASAT/BMD, Orbital Vehicle, SLV, etc.

[cirr]

The Tiangong Space Station scheduled for completion by 2020 is just the beginning. Distributed Space Station that will form the backbone of the nation's space infrastructure, i.e. spaceport, is the real game for China.

 

[onebyone]

Tiangong-2 Docked With Shenzhou-11
Taken by Tom Harradine on October 21, 2016 @ Brisbane, Australia

http://spaceweathergallery.com/indi...d=130204&PHPSESSID=e7clhu3h42muhpsa6rdac4adv1

Details:

Please disregard the previous image of mine - I mislabelled the spacecraft. This is the correct version. Tonights view from Brisbane, Australia, of the Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-11 docked with the space station Tiangong-2, with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong on board.
See this link for a comparison with a graphic of the docking.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/engl…/2016-10/…/c_135764279_13.htm
Details of the image are included in the image.

 

[onebyone]

Astronaut's first diary from space: forget all about rice and noodle after they are heated

by Xinhua special correspondent Jing Haipeng

ABOARD TIANGONG-2, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Today is the first day that our flight crew moved into the space complex for theShenzhou-11 mission. It is 10:05 p.m. now, and we haven't finished our work yet.

I'm told people are concerned about our life here in space. Tutuping'an, a net user of Xinhua mobile app, is curious about how we sleep and have meal in the space lab. I should say Chen Dong and I feel fulfilled in work, and we really want to go to bed now. As we were so busy in the morning, docking Shenzhou-11 and Tiangong-2 and then entering Tiangong-2 of the complex, we had no time for dinner. We ate only one meal for breakfast and lunch. They were largely ready-to-eat foods, or what we often say snacks. We took few staple food. We did heat rice and noodle, but in a little while forgot all about them. We are to make up for the meal at night.

This is my third time to fly into space. This is also my second time to enter Tiangong. Tiangong-1 was quite well, but Tiangong-2 is much more comfortable. It is perfect in layout, decoration and matching of colors.

Speaking of the family, I remember I said when meeting the press that half of the credit should be given to our family members. Chen Dong and I talked about it today, and we agreed with that.

At this very moment, Chen Dong and I miss you so much in Tiangong-2. I want to tell you, dear comrades from the astronaut brigade, that in the past 18 years, we have taken meals at the same table, attended class in the same room, and played basketball in the same court. In the 18 years, we have worked together, lived together, received training together, and chased dream together. We are as dear to each other as members of one family. I know you are standing guard, cheering us on, and on duty for us. And we salute you all!


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-10/20/c_135767087.htm

Space Journal: Entry 2 -- I haven't seen aliens, or got space sickness

by Xinhua special correspondent Chen Dong

ABOARD TIANGONG-2, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Today is my third day aboard Tiangong-2. I am Xinhua space correspondent Chen Dong.

Being in space for the first time is unusual, to say the least, initially I felt that I could not control my body. I could not walk and certain actions just felt weird. My big brother Jing Haipeng has really helped me adjust to life up here, and I am slowly getting used to the feeling of zero gravity, and, you know what -- I'm starting to enjoy it more and more.

I sleep well but I think that is because during our waking hours we are busy so that I fall asleep as soon as I close my eyes at night. Have I dreamed? I think so, because of all the new things I am experiencing during the day. I definitely dreamed of the feeling of zero gravity.

Before being here, in space, I was most excited by the view from our porthole. Actually I saw it from our spacecraft when the fairing detached. I was so taken by this vision -- our beautiful planet -- that I made sure to take a few glances to really leave an imprint in my mind. While I was hypnotized by the view of Earth, bro Jing asked me how it made me feel. All I could say was that it was very beautiful. I had no more words for the way I felt at that moment. As being in space is not just about the view -- we have a lot of work to do after all -- I had to take as much in as I could in just a few moments. After all, I will always have the memory of this amazing moment.

I haven't seen the sunrise or sunset yet, just day and night. I'm sure the time will come for me to experience them both. And, as for taking photos or recording videos, I want to collect as much visual data as possible, as much for the world as for my own memories.

I heard that Xu Sidan, a student from Hangzhou school for the deaf asked me a question on Xinhua's mobile app. Xu asked whether I have seen aliens yet? What a beautiful imagination this child has. I haven't seen aliens, yet, but I do harbor a hope that I will see aliens, and many other peculiar things aside.

Another child asked me whether human get space sickness. Although a spaceship is a "ship," it is not at all like being at sea or onboard a car. This feeling of zero gravity will not cause sickness. It is just a wonderful feeling; very, very good.

Related:

Astronaut's first diary from space: forget all about rice and noodle after they are heated

by Xinhua special correspondent Jing Haipeng

ABOARD TIANGONG-2, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Today is the first day that our flight crew moved into the space complex for the Shenzhou-11 mission. It is 10:05 p.m. now, and we haven't finished our work yet.

I'm told people are concerned about our life here in space. Tutuping'an, a net user of Xinhua mobile app, is curious about how we sleep and have meal in the space lab. I should say Chen Dong and I feel fulfilled in work, and we really want to go to bed now. As we were so busy in the morning, docking Shenzhou-11 and Tiangong-2 and then entering Tiangong-2 of the complex, we had no time for dinner. We ate only one meal for breakfast and lunch. They were largely ready-to-eat foods, or what we often say snacks. We took few staple food. We did heat rice and noodle, but in a little while forgot all about them. We are to make up for the meal at night. Full story
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-10/22/c_135772707.htm

 

[cirr]

Watch out, Bigelow

http://m.sohu.com/n/470918208/?_trans_=000115_3w

 

[JSCh]

Accompanying satellite launched from Tiangong-2
Source: Xinhua 2016-10-23 17:18:41

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An accompanying satellite was launched from space lab Tiangong-2 at 7:31 a.m. on Sunday, said Chinese scientists.

The satellite, which weighs 47 kilograms and is the size of a printer, was launched into space aboard Tiangong-2 on Sept. 15, said the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The micro satellite is able to conduct efficient orbit control, process tasks autonomously and transmit data at high speeds, with stronger capabilities compared with the accompanying satellite of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft, it said.

At the end of October, the satellite will orbit close to Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 and take photos with the high-resolution camera installed on it.

The accompanying satellite will also carry out space experiments with Tiangong-2 to expand the use of space.

The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carried two astronauts into space on Oct. 17 from northwest China's Gobi Desert. It docked with Tiangong-2 two days later.

 

[onebyone]

CZ-5/YZ-2 - Chang Zheng-5/YZ-2 / Shijian-17 (SJ-17)

15885548_980x1200_0.jpg (90.83 kB, 980x652 - viewed 5 times.)

CZ5.jpg (184.76 kB, 1144x709 - viewed 4 times.)

 

[JSCh]

China releases high-definition photo of Tiangong-2 space lab shot by its companion satellite BX-2. (distance 29 meter)

Photo by handheld camera from TG-2.

http://www.miaopai.com/show/16hcqPlf33vewE-mkaJSQQ__.htm

 

[JSCh]

10月23日，中国第二代静止轨道气象卫星首星从上海空运至西昌。进入发射场流程。
23rd Oct, China second generation geostationary meteorological satellite FY-4a being airlift from Shanghai to Xichang launch center.

 

[onebyone]

China "well prepared" to launch Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2017: top scientist
Source: Xinhua 2016-10-24 00:46:35



TIANJIN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is well prepared to launch the Chang'e-5 lunar probe in 2017 to collect and bring back moon rock samples for scientific research, a leading Chinese scientist said Sunday.

Chief Scientist of China's Lunar Exploration Project Ouyang Ziyuan told reporters in northern city of Tianjin that the launch of Chang'e-5 represents the third stage of China's lunar exploration endeavor.

The first stage of lunar expedition was achieved by sending Chang'e-1, a circumlunar satellite, in 2007. For the second stage, China landed its lunar probe Chang'e-3 on the surface of the moon in 2013.

The scientist said the analysis of the structure and component of the samples to be collected by Chang'e-5 would help scientists deepen the study into the formation and the evolution of the moon.

"We are ready. Every lab is ready," he said. "Once the samples are back, we can begin our analysis right away."

He said the launch of Chang'e-5 would improve China's space science technology.

Ouyang also confirmed the launch of Chang'e-4, a relay of Chang'e-3, in 2018 to land on the far side of the moon, a breakthrough in human history.

The launch of the two lunar probes were first announced by State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense earlier this year.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-10/24/c_135775384.htm

 

[JSCh]

Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 10:31
Satellite to improve weather forecasts
By Zhou Wenting in Shanghai

Photo taken on Sept 23, 2013 shows a Long March-4C carrier rocket carrying a China's Fengyun-3 satellite taking off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, North China's Shanxi province. The new satellite, the third of China's Fengyun-3 (FY-3) series, will form a network with the first two FY-3 satellites to improve China's meteorological observation and medium-range weather forecast capabilities. (Photo / Xinhua)​

China will launch its latest independently developed weather satellite at the end of this year, which is said to be technically comparable to similar satellites being built in Europe and the United States.

The FY 4 satellite, the country's second generation of weather satellites and also the newest member of its Fengyun series, will be launched into geostationary orbit 36,000 km above Earth, according to Qu Yan, deputy head of the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, which developed the satellite.

The satellite boasts world-leading technical capabilities in areas such as ground test sensitivity and spectral resolution, Qu said.

Nie Danrong, deputy director of the academy's department of application satellites, said that the satellite will lift positional accuracy to a new height of 1 km, four times more accurate than the previous generation, adding that it also has more detecting channels and improved ground resolution for its visible-light imager.

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology is responsible for the research and development of all 14 satellites in the Fengyun series that have been launched since 1988.

"Each satellite has a different duty. For example, the FY 4 will be equipped with the country's first imaging sensor for the observation of lightning. Each generation of satellite in the series has higher precision performance in terms of target observation and data update frequency than the previous one," Nie said.

Researchers have said the satellites play an indispensable role in forecasting natural disasters such as typhoons, storms, floods and droughts.

Qu said: "Forecasting of typhoons has become increasingly more accurate, and the Fengyun satellites can be credited for this."

Since 2000, all typhoons formed and developed in the Western Pacific and South China Sea have been successfully detected and traced, he said.

China's meteorological satellites, together with those from the US and Europe, are used by the World Meteorological Organization, which means weather data collected by the satellites is made available to more than 3,000 weather forecast outlets in more than 90 countries and regions worldwide.

"As a member of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters, China's weather satellites play an important role internationally. Data from our satellites directly informs weather forecasts across the globe," Nie said.

China plans to expand its network of weather satellites in the following decade to enable more precise detection of wind, rainfall and atmospheric composition, according to Nie.

"There will also be a satellite specializing in ecological and environmental monitoring, especially the long-term monitoring and forecasting of air pollution," he said.

 

[indiatester]

Congrats China! This is indeed great success.
I missed the launch though.

 

[onebyone]

Here are the visible light photos of TG-2 and SZ-11 as taken by BX-2:

SZ11TG2-1.jpg (57.21 kB, 1024x768 - viewed 34 times.)

 

[JSCh]

China's "Little Bee" searches for strongest blasts in universe
(Xinhua) 13:41, October 26, 2016

(Xinhua/He Meng)
​

BEIJING, Oct. 26 -- A square-shaped probe, dubbed "Little Bee" by Chinese scientists, is searching for gamma-ray bursts, the strongest explosions in the universe.

The formal name of the probe, set atop China's first space lab Tiangong-2, is POLAR (an abbreviation of Polarimetry of Gamma-ray Bursts). The device will help open a new window in the study of gamma-ray astronomy, says Zhang Shuangnan, principal investigator on the POLAR project and a chief scientist at the High Energy Physics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Tiangong-2 was launched in September, and the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft last week took two astronauts to a 30-day mission in the space lab. They will prepare for the construction of a more complicated space station, conducting more than a dozen scientific experiments, most of them in cutting-edge fields of exploration.

POLAR is the only international cooperation project on Tiangong-2, involving scientists from the University of Geneva, Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and Poland's Institute of Nuclear Physics.

"The 30-kg device can be regarded as a telescope, but it is different from other telescopes, as it consists of 1,600 sensitive components to detect the polarization of gamma-ray bursts. They are like the 1,600 facets in the compound eyes of bees. That's why we call it 'Little Bee' ," says Zhang.

"We hope to obtain accurate polarization information of the gamma-ray bursts for the first time ever to better understand the process of how the violent explosions happen," Zhang says.

Gamma-ray bursts are extremely energetic explosions that have been observed in distant galaxies. They are the brightest electromagnetic events known to occur in the universe. Bursts can last from ten milliseconds to several hours.

The intense radiation of most observed gamma-ray bursts is believed to be released during a supernova or hypernova as a rapidly rotating, high-mass star collapses to form a neutron star, quark star, or black hole. A subclass of bursts appear to originate from a different process: the merger of binary neutron stars.

Another aim of "Little Bee" is to determine whether gamma-ray bursts are related to gravitational waves. "If we can detect gamma-ray bursts at the same time gravitational waves happen, it will help us better understand gravitational waves. That will be very interesting," Zhang says.

He estimates that "Little Bee" can detect about 100 gamma-ray bursts during its two-year operating period.

Zhang also wants to try something outside the plan. He and his team have succeeded in locating signals from the Crab Pulsar neutron star by analyzing the data sent back by POLAR.

"This is the first time a Chinese space astronomical instrument has been used to study the remaining pulsar left by the supernova explosion recorded by the ancient Chinese nearly 1,000 years ago," Zhang says.

 

[yusheng]

 

[JSCh]

Silkworms in Tiangong-2 Space Lab Begin to Spin Cocoons
CCTV+
Published on Oct 26, 2016

Some of the six silkworms, which have been brought into China's Tiangong-2 space lab for experiments, have begun to spin cocoons one week after the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft blasted off on Oct. 17.