Tiangong-1 to be launched next year

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Tiangong-1 to be launched next year - People's Daily Online November 16, 2010

Tiangong 1 is a small laboratory module, with roughly the same internal volume as a compact van. The spacecraft will launch in the first half of 2011, and will spend a few months flying solo.

China will launch its first unmanned space module, Tiangong-1, also known as the "target spacecraft," next year, Yan Zhongwen of the China Academy of Space Technology told Guangzhou Daily on Monday.
Tiangong-1, a spacecraft module equipped with two docking ports to serve as a target for a rendezvous docking operation, is expected to enter into orbit in October 2011. It will first dock with the unmanned Shenzhou 8 spacecraft and then the manned Shenzhou 9 spacecraft, according to Yan Zhongwen.

It is expected that China will establish its first permanent manned space station in 2017.

China's manned space projects have three steps. The first is the breakthrough of manned technology, represented by Shenzhou 5 and Shenzhou 6, which were launched in 2003 and 2005, respectively. The second step is to set up a short-term manned space station after completing docking and extravehicular activities. The third step is to build a permanent manned space station for space science experiments.

By Liang Jun, People's Daily Online

 

[nomi007]

best of luck Tiangong 1

 

[Brotherhood]

China to launch Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 spacecraft in 2012 - People's Daily Online November 17, 2010

It is reported that China will launch the Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 spacecraft in 2012, according to the website of China Manned Space Engineering.

China has formally begun its manned space station program, aiming to complete construction of a "relatively large" manned space laboratory around 2020, said a spokesman for the national manned space program.

After the construction of the space station, China's three-step manned space program will be complete, adding this would enhance the country's technological progress, innovation, comprehensive power and the nation's prestige.

The three-step strategy involves first developing the Shenzhou spaceships and then technologies needed for docking and extra-vehicular activities, currently underway, and finally construction of the space station.

China plans to launch two unmanned space modules, Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8, in 2011, which are expected to accomplish the country's first space docking and were regarded as an essential step toward building a space station.

Tiangong-1, or Heavenly Palace, would eventually be transformed into a manned space laboratory after experimental dockings with Shenzhou-8, Shenzhou-9 and Shenzhou-10 spacecraft, with the last two carrying two or three astronauts each.

By Zhang Qian, People's Daily Online

 

[Brotherhood]

China's 3rd lunar will carry lunar rover in 2013 - People's Daily Online November 18, 2010

Chang’e III” satellite model.

According to plan, "Chang'e-3" will be launched to the moon in 2013. The biggest feature of "Chang'e-3" is that it will carry a moon vehicle to conduct lunar surface exploration, Yan Zhongwen of the China Academy of Space Technology told Guangzhou Daily on Nov. 17.

Yan Zhongwen said that as China's third unmanned moon probe, Chang'e-3 will be equipped with more special features. It will carry the lander and moon rover. The moon rover will come down from the lander and walk on the lunar surface, self-navigate, select its route, find the right detection point and send data back.

China's lunar exploration project consists of three phases. The third phase of Chang'e project, which is on display at the ongoing air show in Zhuhai, includes four parts: the lander, riser, orbiter and return vehicle.

By Yan Meng, People's Daily Online