CNSA - Shenzhou-8 / Tiangong-1 Space Lab Module Docking Mission patch.
Nov. 3, 2011
Image above: The graphics shows the procedure of Shenzhou-8 spacecraft docking with Tiangong-1 space lab module on Nov. 3, 2011. Photo: Xinhua.
The unmanned Shenzhou-8 spacecraft successfully docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab module early this morning after five orbit changes, the first in the country's space program.
After the 15-minute procedure, the two spacecraft will fly together for 12 days, then separate and prepare for another docking on November 14. Following two more days of flying together, Shenzhou-8 will leave Tiangong-1 and head back to Earth on November 17.
Shenzhou-8 Rendezvous and Docking with Tiangong-1
Zhang Bonan, chief designer of the spacecraft, told the Beijing Times that the successful launching and docking of the Shenzhou-8 marks a landmark in China's manned space history, marking the finalization of China's Shenzhou spacecraft technology.
Pang Zhihao, a researcher from the Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, told the Global Times that the achievement enables China to carry out scaled production of its Shenzhou spacecraft, which will significantly cut down expenses, shorten research and preparation time, and guarantee stable performance of vessels.
The Shenzhou-8 is the most advanced spacecraft developed by China, and utilizes a large number of domestic devices and new technologies. According to Zhou Yanfei, a researcher with the China Manned Space Engineering, the space docking is carried out first automatically and is then manually controlled, reducing risk to the crew.
Shenzhou-8 / Tiangong-1 Space Lab Module Docking
"The unmanned operation will also pave the way for space station programs in the future," Pan told the Global Times. Dummy astronauts are being used to run tests for the manned space program to come.
Experts believe the success of the space docking will lay a solid foundation for China to set up a permanent space station around 2020.
China Space Station
Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program, said to the Xinhua News Agency that once China has mastered the docking technology, the country will have the ability to build a permanent space station.
Paul Dempsey, a director with the Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, told the Global Times that China is demonstrating its leadership by conducting a series of space exploration journeys, and China intends to land on the moon.
Dempsey said that one of the reasons China did not participate in the International Space Station (ISS) may be that US prohibits export of technology and there has always been some reticence from the US over sharing space technology.
For more information about China National Space Administration, visit: http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n615709/cindex.html
Images, Video, Text, Credits: CNSA / Xinhua / Global Times (CN) / Hao Di / Xu Wen / Tian Chi / CNTV.
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