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March 3, 2023

The first combustion experiment onboard the China Space Station (中国空间站)

The first combustion experiment onboard the China Space Station (中国空间站) was conducted in the Mengtian Laboratory Module (梦天实验舱), on 16 February 2023.

The first combustion experiment onboard the China Space Station (CSS)

According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the experiment used methane as fuel and lasted for about 30 seconds.

Shenzhou-15 astronauts complete second spacewalk

Shenzhou-15 astronauts complete second spacewalk

According to the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the second extravehicular activity of the Shenzhou-15 (神舟十五) mission took place on 2 March 2023. Astronauts Junlong Fei (费俊龙, commander) and Lu Zhang (张陆) “successfully completed all the planned tasks and safely returned to the Wentian Laboratory Module” (问天实验舱).

Information about China’s human spaceflight activities are however often closely guarded. Yang Liwei, China’s first astronaut in space and a deputy chief designer at CNSA, recently told Chinese state media that two crews and backups had been chosen for the Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17 missions due to launch in May and November respectively.

Yang Liwei former taikonaut (astronaut), deputy chief designer at CNSA

No names were provided, however, in contrast to more open and transparent practices around the world. China typically only reveals the identities of the crews a day ahead of launch at carefully staged press conferences.

Individuals recruited in a third taikonaut (astronaut) selection round in 2020 have also yet to be revealed. The new taikonauts (astronauts) may have now completed basic training and be available for selection for upcoming missions.

The new recruits for the first time include engineers and payload specialists, whereas earlier rounds were solely drawn from air force pilots. A fourth selection round got underway late last year.

China is also preparing to expand its Tiangong outpost and has begun a process to select the first international astronauts to visit the space station.

In broader terms, China does publish once-every-five-year white papers which outline civilian plans and priorities for the years ahead.

Related article:

CSS - Shenzhou-15 taikonauts (astronauts) conduct secretive second spacewalk
https://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.com/2023/03/css-shenzhou-15-taikonauts-astronauts.html

Related links:

China space white paper: http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6813088/content.html

China National Space Administration (CNSA): http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/index.html

Images, Videos, Text, Credits: China National Space Administration (CNSA)/China Central Television (CCTV)/SciNews/Orbiter.ch Aerospace/Roland Berga.

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