China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-16 spacecraft, which is carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
What exactly is Shenzhou-16?
- The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft was meant to transfer people to the Tiangong space station as part of China’s manned spaceflight missions.
- This mission is a significant step forward in China’s space research endeavours, with the crew planning a variety of tests and experiments over their five-month stay.
- The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) operates the Tiangong space station, which is a key part of China’s ambitious space programme and seeks to be a scientific research hub.
Shenzhou-16 astronauts
- The Shenzhou-16 mission crew comprises of three astronauts: Jing Haipeng, the mission’s main commander, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao.
- Jing Haipeng is a veteran spacecraft pilot who was part of China’s first batch of astronaut trainees.
- Zhu Yangzhu, a former university teacher and postdoctoral researcher in aerodynamics, will work as a spaceflight engineer.
- Gui Haichao is the first Chinese civilian to travel to space and will be in charge of science experiments on the space station.
The Mission’s Objectives
- The Shenzhou-16 crew will replace the Shenzhou-15 crew, who have been aboard the Tiangong space station since November.
- The new crew will conduct large-scale testing and experiments in a variety of domains, including quantum phenomena, high-precision space time-frequency systems, general relativity verification, and the origin of life.
- During the crew’s five-month stay, these scientific endeavours are expected to yield important results.
Concerning the Tiangong Space Station
- China created the Tiangong space station, which is operated by the CMSA, after being prevented from partnering with NASA owing to espionage concerns.
- The first module of the station was launched into orbit in 2021, followed by two more modules.
- The long-term goal of China is to expand the station, with the next module docking and forming a cross-shaped structure.
- After the International Space Station’s operations complete in 2030, the Tiangong space station seeks to become a prominent outpost for scientific research.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/chinas-shenzhou-16-space-mission-launched-8637155/#:~:text=Who%20are%20the%20three%20astronauts,civilian%20to%20travel%20to%20space.