China is at the forefront of global space exploration

  On October 16, the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft successfully docked to the radial port of the Tianhe core module using the autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking mode. Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu successfully stationed in the Tianhe core module. Long manned flight.

"This is an important step in China's space program." CNN commented.

According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, on October 15, 2021, Beijing time, the expedition ceremony for the crew of the astronauts of the Shenzhou 13 manned mission was held at Wentian Pavilion Square at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Li Shangfu, the commander-in-chief of China's manned space project and the commander-in-chief of the space station stage mission command, issued an order. Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu led the expedition, and a six-month flight mission will soon begin.

Image source: Visual China

  Start a record-breaking on-track residency

  Effie News Agency recently quoted China’s Manned Space Engineering Office as saying that the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft successfully completed its orbital state setting after it entered orbit. At 6:56 on October 16th, Beijing time, it adopted the autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking mode. Successfully docked at the radial port of the Tianhe core cabin, forming a four-cabin (ship) combination with the previously docked Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft.

According to the mission implementation plan, the three astronauts then successfully stationed in the Tianhe core capsule.

The three astronauts are expected to stay and work in the Chinese space station for 6 months.

If they complete the mission as scheduled, they will set a record for the longest stay of Chinese astronauts in space.

  The Associated Press reported that with the successful docking of the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft with the Tianhe core module, the three astronauts opened a record 6-month stay in orbit.

They will perform 2 to 3 missions of exiting the capsule to install equipment, prepare for the expansion of the space station, evaluate the living conditions of the sky and core capsule, and conduct experiments in the fields of space medicine.

  On September 17, the Shenzhou 12 manned spacecraft returned to Earth.

One month later, the Chinese astronauts went out into space again.

  The Russian Satellite Agency website quoted Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of China’s Manned Space Engineering Office, as saying that compared with the Shenzhou 12 mission, the Shenzhou 13 mission is different in many ways, including the use of autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking for the manned spacecraft. The space station will be docked radially; the China Space Station has realized the combined operation of the core cabin, 2 cargo spacecraft, and 1 manned spacecraft; the astronauts will stay in orbit for the first time for 6 months; Chinese female astronauts will be stationed in the Chinese space station for the first time. Astronaut Wang Yaping will become China's first female astronaut to carry out the launch activities, and the Shenzhou 13 crew will include male and female astronauts who exit the cabin for the first time.

  The Russian "Labor Daily" lamented that the development speed of China's manned spaceflight is impressive.

The Tianhe core module was launched into orbit only in April this year.

Three Chinese astronauts conducted equipment debugging and module testing there not long ago, and completed the exit activities.

Now, China has launched a new manned spacecraft.

In the near future, the new "Wentian" experimental cabin and "Mengtian" experimental cabin will be docked with the Tianhe core cabin.

China's space telescope will also be launched into the same orbit and docked with the core module.

At 9:50 on October 17, Beijing time, the Shenzhou 13 astronaut crew successfully opened the cargo compartment door and successfully entered the Tianzhou 3 cargo spacecraft to check and sort the contents of the cargo ship.

(Video screenshot) Image source: Visual China

  Space station construction ushered in acceleration

  The construction of China's own space station is the third step of China's "three-step" strategy for manned spaceflight.

In 2021, the construction of China's space station has entered a critical stage.

The Shenzhou 13 manned mission is the sixth mission in the key technology verification phase of the space station and the last mission in this phase.

  The "Nihon Keizai Shimbun" website reported that China is committed to building a "space power", and the construction of an autonomous space station is undoubtedly one of the pillars.

At present, the construction of China's space station has ushered in a real acceleration.

The Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft will carry out the final stage of technical verification for the completion of the construction of the space station.

If all goes well, two manned spacecraft and two cargo spacecraft will enter space in the future.

  Singapore’s "Lianhe Zaobao" website believes that the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft will send three astronauts to the Chinese space station, which will not only refresh the record of Chinese astronauts’ stay in orbit, but also herald the rotation of Chinese astronauts on the space station. normal.

China has officially entered the era of long-term manned presence on the space station.

  The website also quoted experts' analysis as saying that the space industry has ushered in a blowout development in China, and the next step will be to increase the exploration of deep space.

As another focus of China's aerospace industry in the future, deep space exploration includes exploring the moon, Mars, and the sun.

The Chang'e-4 probe launched by China achieved the first visit to the back of the moon by a human probe in 2019, and the Chang'e-5 probe retrieved the lunar soil from the moon last year; China also launched the Mars probe Tianwen-1 last year; in October On the 14th, China launched the first solar exploration science and technology experimental satellite "Xihe" at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, officially entering the era of solar exploration.

  The Russian "Labor Daily" also pointed out that manned spaceflight is only part of China's rich space program.

Since 2018, China has ranked first in the world in the number of space launches.

From all aspects, China will soon become a real leader in space exploration and aerospace technology in various fields.

  "The development of China's aerospace industry is continuing: In 2003, China became the third country to independently master manned space technology. Over the past 18 years, China's aerospace science and technology strength has made tremendous progress." The Spanish "Le Monde" published an article. .

  Continue to carry out international cooperation in the field of manned spaceflight

  Since China’s first astronaut Yang Liwei was successfully sent to space in 2003, China’s manned space project has completed 7 launch missions.

In 18 years, from one person a day to three people for half a year, from in-cabin experiments to spacewalks, from short-term stays to long-term stays, China's space technology has achieved a major leap of milestone significance.

"China is a well-deserved major player in the aerospace field and is at the forefront of global space exploration." The French "20 Minute News" website said in an article.

  Reuters pointed out that China's space program has made great achievements, and China is relying on independent innovation capabilities to build its own space station.

The International Space Station will be decommissioned in the next few years as planned, and the China Space Station will become the only space station in orbit.

  Deutsche Welle also reported that in recent years, China has increased its investment in space programs and successfully completed a series of world-renowned and highly difficult deep space exploration missions.

After the Chinese Space Station completes its construction goals as planned, it will most likely replace the international space station that is about to be decommissioned and become the only long-term manned spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.

  Radio France International noted that China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently reiterated its proposal to cooperate with other countries in the peaceful use of space.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China will continue to increase the depth and breadth of international cooperation and exchanges in the field of manned spaceflight, and make positive contributions to the exploration of the mysteries of the universe, the peaceful use of space, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

  Jim Hyde, professor emeritus of geological sciences at Brown University in the United States, said in an exclusive interview with National Public Radio that the successful implementation of the Shenzhou 13 mission indicates that China's aerospace industry has set another milestone.

China is implementing its own space exploration undertakings in accordance with a long-term strategic plan.

Space exploration is a frontier field of science and technology.

These explorations show everyone that China is capable and a trusted international partner in space exploration.

  Yan Yu