Walking into Wenchang Space Launch Site, the home port for the construction of China's space station——
It's time for spaceflight to come true
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Light the fire!"
On October 31, 2022, at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, the Long March 5B carrier rocket lifted the Mengtian experimental module into the sky.
Three days later, the Mengtian experimental module was successfully transferred, and the basic configuration of the "T" character of the Chinese space station was assembled in orbit.
The dream of the "Heavenly Palace", which has been passed down by the Chinese nation for thousands of years, has gradually become a reality from a myth.
Building a space station and building a national space laboratory is an important goal of realizing the "three-step" strategy of my country's manned spaceflight project, and it is an important leading project for building a strong country in science and technology and aerospace.
From the moment the Tianhe core module flew into the sky, in less than two years, the Wenchang launch site successfully sent three modules of the space station and four Tianzhou spacecraft into space, making an important contribution to the construction of the Chinese space station.
Wenchang Space Launch Site is therefore known as "the home port for the construction of China's space station".
The manned mission of Shenzhou 15 is about to be implemented. On this occasion, let us follow in the footsteps of the reporters and explore the behind-the-scenes story of Wenchang astronauts building a "space home".
"We must let the Chinese space station be completed as soon as possible"
The sea beat against the rocks, rolling up waves and blooming.
In the east of Hainan Island, China's Wenchang Space Launch Site is located here.
In April 2021, Liao Guorui and his colleagues ushered in an important historical moment-the space station's core module will be launched from here.
Before the launch, Liao Guorui, the commander of 01, was extremely busy.
For this launch mission, he needs to coordinate and mobilize more than 20 sub-systems with a total of more than 200 positions, and issue nearly a thousand instructions accurately, without any negligence and mistakes.
As the first launch module of the space station, the Tianhe core module will serve as the management and control center of the space station, and become the place where astronauts work and live most frequently in the "space home".
This mission is Liao Guorui's "first show" as the commander of 01, and it is also the "first show" of the third step of China's manned spaceflight "three-step" strategy.
On September 21, 1992, the Party Central Committee established a "three-step" development strategy for China's manned spaceflight.
——The first step is to launch a manned spacecraft, build a preliminary supporting experimental manned spacecraft project, and carry out space application experiments;
——The second step is to make breakthroughs in the technology of astronauts' out-of-cabin activities, the rendezvous and docking technology of space vehicles, launch space laboratories, and solve the problems of space applications with a certain scale and short-term human care;
——The third step is to build a space station to solve the problem of space application with large scale and long-term care.
In order to accomplish this lofty goal, generations of Chinese sons and daughters look up to the starry sky and integrate their personal dreams into the aerospace industry of the motherland.
Today, the key link of this "three-step" development strategy is in the hands of Liao Guorui and his colleagues.
This mission is the second launch of the Long March 5B carrier rocket, and the core module of the space station was launched again.
The task is special and of great significance.
The Wenchang astronauts felt tremendous pressure.
In the night, the offices and computer rooms were lit up with bright lights.
During that time, the staff at the launch site continued to fight and stick to their posts.
"No one is complaining about suffering or tiredness, and everyone has a common belief: the Chinese space station must be completed as soon as possible!" Liao Guorui said.
History will remember this day.
On April 29, 2021, in the shade of the coconut grove, the Long March 5B carrier rocket stood quietly on the launch tower, waiting for that exciting moment to arrive.
In Liao Guorui's clear password, the rocket carried the sky and core module of the space station and flew into space, and the assembly and construction of China's space station in orbit officially kicked off.
On May 29, 2021, the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft was ignited and lifted off at the Wenchang launch site.
Soon, Chinese astronauts entered the core module of Tianhe and entered the Chinese "space home" for the first time.
On this beautiful seashore, under the joint efforts of Wenchang astronauts, the Chinese people's dream of "Heavenly Palace" has become a reality step by step——
On July 24, 2022, the Wentian experimental module soared into the sky, marking an important step in the construction of China's space station; on October 31, the Mengtian experimental module was successfully launched; The assembly of the core module and the Wentian experimental module forms the basic configuration of "T".
In the continuous struggle and forge ahead of generations of astronauts, the historical moment of building a national space laboratory and fully realizing the "three-step" strategy is now approaching.
Quality is life, quality is the odds
At the Wenchang launch site, there is a transfer track with a straight-line distance of about 3 kilometers from the final assembly and test plant to the launch tower.
On one side of the track, the 16 red characters of "serious, thoughtful, meticulous, safe and reliable, and foolproof" are particularly bright.
When the rocket is transported vertically, whenever it travels to the side of the word "steady", the staff at the launch site will take a "group photo" for it, which means "the launch mission is stable!"
In just 16 words, it has witnessed the steps of rockets flying into space and building the dream "Palace of Heaven", and it also contains the winning code for Wenchang astronauts to successfully complete the construction task of the space station.
2022 will be an impressive year for Yin Jingbo, the commander of the control system.
In the midsummer of August, the sun is like a fire.
Astronauts at the Wenchang launch site have just completed the mission of the Wentian Experimental Module, and immediately devoted themselves to the preparation of the Mengtian Experimental Module mission.
"The mission of the Wentian Experimental Module was completed very well, achieving a 'zero-window' launch, which accumulated experience and laid the foundation for us. Therefore, the launch mission of the Mengtian Experimental Module also proposed a 'zero-window' launch target—the rocket launch time The deviation from the scheduled ignition time is no more than 1 second." Yin Jingbo recalled.
In order to ensure the "zero window" ignition, Yin Jingbo led the team to repeatedly refine the pre-launch process from the first day of the rocket's arrival, and the relevant procedures were accurate to the minute, and the work 10 minutes before the launch was even accurate to the second.
"We need to ensure that every operation is precise and every node is precise before launch," Yin Jingbo said.
At 15:37 on October 31, Yin Jingbo pressed the ignition button on time.
Amid the roar that shook the earth, the Long March 5B carrier rocket lifted the Mengtian experimental module into the sky smoothly.
Throughout the construction process of the space station, the Wenchang launch site has been implementing strict quality standards.
In the middle of the night on May 19, 2021, the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft, which was originally scheduled to launch a few hours later, had to be delayed due to an abnormality in a certain system parameter of the Long March 7 rocket.
In order to catch up with the next day's launch window, the Wenchang astronauts refueled while troubleshooting.
After a day and night of continuous fighting, they finally locked the location of the rocket failure.
However, by then it was too late to deal with the glitch, and the launch was delayed again.
Delaying the launch twice meant that the cryogenic propellant already filled had to be vented back twice.
For this reason, the Wenchang Aerospace staff stayed at their posts for more than 70 hours without sleep, and finally successfully completed the release of low-temperature propellant.
On May 29, they won the Tianzhou-2 launch mission.
"The aerospace industry has complex technologies and huge systems, and each mission is not a simple repetition of previous missions. Any mistakes in any link, any work, or any component failure may lead to the failure of the entire mission." Xichang Mao Wanbiao, deputy director of the Satellite Launch Center, said with emotion: "Therefore, we will adopt the strictest standards in each mission preparation stage, and resolutely launch without hidden dangers and go to the sky without problems."
Quality is life, quality is the odds.
For everyone at the Wenchang launch site, the slogan of "careful preparation, careful organization, and careful implementation" is not only hung in a prominent position on the launch site, but also deeply rooted in everyone's heart.
In 2004, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, where the Wenchang Space Launch Site is located, took the lead in introducing the ISO9001 standard and fully implemented the quality management system certification; in 2009, the center built an integrated management system for quality, environment and occupational health and safety on the basis of the quality management system; in 2021 In 2019, the center vigorously promoted the pilot work of the equipment quality management system in the new era...
Through this series of measures, the Xichang Satellite Launch Center has achieved results such as accelerated construction progress, standardized construction process, controlled equipment quality, and no major quality accidents. It also provides strong support for the successful launch missions of the space station stage.
"Don't just be satisfied with success, but achieve fast and good high-quality success"
"Attention everyone, 30 minutes to prepare!"
On July 24, 2022, following the order of 01 Commander Liao Guorui, Huang Tengda, the operator of the nitrogen gas source library at the launch site, quickly switched the equipment to the remote control mode.
After he evacuated his job, the remaining work was immediately handed over to the staff several kilometers away.
This is an ordinary scene in the mission of the Wentian experimental module, and it is also the epitome of technological innovation at the Wenchang launch site in recent years.
In this highly informatized and automated young launch site, scientific and technological innovations have not only made fueling safer, but also made the construction of the "Tiangong" more stable and far-reaching.
On September 20, 2021, amidst cheers, the Long March 7 Yao-4 carrier rocket was launched carrying the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft.
The Tianzhou-3 mission was a complete success, which verified the stability and reliability of the test launch mode at the Wenchang launch site.
However, in the face of increasingly high space launch density, can the existing test launch mode still stand the test?
"We have reached a consensus: not only to be satisfied with success, but to achieve fast and good high-quality success." Wang Yuliang, commander of Tianzhou cargo spacecraft launch mission 01, said.
In the face of unknown challenges, innovative breakthroughs are imminent.
Not long after Tianzhou-3 was launched, the Wenchang astronauts immediately devoted themselves to a new round of research.
"We conducted special discussions one after another, analyzed more than 20 coupling factors, identified more than 30 risks, and conducted more than 20 desktop deduction and comprehensive exercises." Wang Yuliang introduced.
With this hard work, they shortened the test launch cycle of the Long March 7 Yao-5 carrier rocket by a quarter, and the pre-launch refueling process was reduced by a quarter.
In the Tianzhou-4 mission, the test launch period was greatly shortened compared with Tianzhou-3, taking only 27 days.
Completing rendezvous and docking in the vast space is like "threading a needle and thread." Any slight error in time may cause the two docked spacecraft to miss the opportunity and have to adjust the orbit at a great cost.
This requires the launch vehicle to achieve "zero window" launch.
"We have aimed at the 'narrow window' and strived for the 'zero window' in all the launch missions of the space station. Although we have successfully completed many major launch missions, this is still a difficult test for us." Xichang Satellite Launch Zhong Wen'an, chief engineer of the center, said.
In order to ensure nothing goes wrong, they continue to enhance the level of scientific and technological innovation and improve the space test and launch capabilities.
The test and launch process of the launch site has been continuously iteratively optimized, forming a new generation of launch vehicle flat organization and command system structure, the informatization and intensification of test launches have been continuously improved, and the stability and adaptability of equipment and facilities have been continuously enhanced.
In 2022, during the three space launch missions of the Wentian Experimental Module, Mengtian Experimental Module, and Tianzhou-5, the Wenchang Launch Site will successively achieve "zero-window" launches.
"The order will be shipped in the morning, and the receipt will be signed at noon." On November 12, the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft set off for the expedition.
From launch to successful docking of the space station assembly, Tianzhou-5 took only 2 hours, setting a record for the fastest rendezvous and docking of human spacecraft.
Since the completion of the launch site, one scientific research achievement has witnessed the steps of Wenchang astronauts in pursuit of scientific and technological innovation:
Overcome key technologies such as low-temperature propellant high-flow filling and kerosene liquid nitrogen cooling; solve practical problems such as parallel test launches of medium and large liquid rockets, and facilities and equipment adapting to the "high temperature, high humidity and high salt fog" environment...
In recent years, the number of rockets launched at the Wenchang launch site has increased from 3 to 4 to 6 to 8 a year, and the type of rockets launched has been expanded from type 2 to type 6, shortening the cycle of rocket test launches.
At present, the launch site has formed a new generation of high-thrust launch vehicle high-density launch capability, which has achieved a huge leap in my country's low-earth orbit carrying capacity from 10 tons to 25 tons, and geosynchronous orbit carrying capacity from 5.5 tons to 14 tons. Our nation's ability to go into space.
Let personal dreams be closely connected with the cause of the motherland
Turn back the time to May 5, 2020.
The Long March 5B carrier rocket was ignited at the Wenchang Space Launch Site and successfully completed its maiden flight.
The moment the ship and arrow separated, Hu Xudong, the commander of 01, was very excited in the test launch command hall.
In 2003, Hu Xudong graduated from Southeast University and voluntarily applied to work in the front line of space launch.
In the past at the Xichang launch site, he was famous for his title of "expert troubleshooter".
When he came to the Wenchang launch site, Hu Xudong successively served as the 01 commander of the Long March 5 Yao-1, Long March 5 Yao-2, Long March 5B Yao-1 carrier rocket and Chang'e-5.
After years of being on the front line of major space launch missions, he has grown into a dazzling "star" on the launch site step by step.
Similar to Hu Xudong, the aerospace careers of Liao Guorui and Wang Yuliang are also closely related to the identity of "01".
During the mission phase of the space station, Liao Guorui was responsible for building the "Tiangong".
He successively served as the 01 commander of the launch missions of Tianhe Core Module, Wentian Experimental Module, and Mengtian Experimental Module, and made important contributions to the assembly and construction of the "T" basic configuration of the Chinese space station.
Wang Yuliang is responsible for delivering goods for the "Tiangong" and serves as the "special" 01 commander for the launch mission of the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft.
He led the team to ensure the success of the previous launch missions from Tianzhou-2 to Tianzhou-5, delivering materials to space on time and accurately.
"The growth and progress in a short period of time is inseparable from the cultivation of the organization, let alone the stage given by the era of building a space station." Liao Guorui said with emotion.
The Wenchang launch site has undertaken the major tasks of the "National Brand" aerospace projects such as lunar exploration, planetary exploration, and space station construction, and has also provided a broad stage for many young astronauts who have dedicated themselves to the aerospace industry to display their talents and realize their dreams.
In the journey of chasing dreams of spaceflight, batches of young faces emerged here——
As the youngest female sub-system commander in the history of the launch site, Zhou Chengyu, a Tujia girl born in 1995, was praised by the media as "the big sister is not big, but the ability is not small", and many netizens affectionately called her "Rocket Girl";
It took 7 years and experienced dozens of positions, the control system commander Liu Jinjie became the first female "golden finger" at the launch site, and made a stunning appearance in the launch mission of the Wentian experimental module...
This is a young and promising team.
Opening the information, one by one amazing figures are on the paper: the average age is 33.1 years old, of which 3.4% have a doctoral degree and 32.6% have a master's degree.
"We can successfully complete the historical task of building the space station. An important magic weapon is to believe in young scientific and technological talents, reuse young scientific and technological talents, train and train young talents in the front line of major space launch missions, and pave the way for their growth." Xichang Satellite Launch Center Manpower Zhao Xin, director of the resource department, introduced.
In recent years, under the guidance of the strategy of strengthening the country through talents, Xichang Satellite Launch Center has built a key laboratory for reliability technology of the space launch site, established a post-doctoral scientific research workstation, and carried out scientific research collaborative innovation with well-known universities.
They formed 11 scientific and technological innovation teams represented by "Che Zhuming Innovation Team" and 15 technical innovation teams, and signed joint talent training agreements with 22 domestic first-class universities and research institutes.
There are more and more graduates of famous universities on the front-line positions of the launch site: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics... Along with the Long March rockets ignited and blasted off, many young scientific and technological talents resolutely devoted themselves to In this fertile soil of the aerospace industry, personal dreams are closely connected with the cause of the motherland, and youth blooms brilliantly in the vast space.
Between the sea and the sky in Wenchang, a group of young astronauts burn their youthful years on this same young launch site, and thrive in each major space launch mission.
Taking over the torch from the predecessors, on the great journey of building an aerospace power, generations of Chinese astronauts have relayed forward and rushed to more distant space.
Huang Guochang