It has been more than 1,000 days since the Tianhe core module was launched. During this time, it welcomed 6 crews and a total of 17 brave astronauts. Among them, Tang Hongbo, the mission commander of Shenzhou 17, this is the second time he has set foot in the Heavenly Palace. He had previously accompanied Nie Haisheng and Liu Boming on the Shenzhou-12 mission and witnessed the first manned flight of the Tianhe core module.
In 2024, four key launch missions are planned for China's space station. At the beginning of this year, the Tianzhou-7 cargo spacecraft was successfully launched, bringing necessary supplies to the astronauts in the Tiangong. Since Tianzhou-6, a series of cargo ships have been upgraded to allow them to carry more supplies per launch. The frequency of transmissions has also been increased from twice a year to three times every two years.
The launch of Tianzhou-7 adopts a three-hour fast rendezvous and docking scheme, which aims to reduce the pressure on the system and improve work efficiency, providing a solid material support for the missions of Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-18.
The mission of Shenzhou-17 is halfway through. During this time, the astronauts completed an out-of-cabin spacewalk and carried out the first experimental restoration work on China's space station. They found slight impact marks on the surface of the solar panels during the out-of-cabin mission and successfully repaired them. This repair is not only a test of technology, but also an important preparation for possible future challenges in space.
In the control center of the space station, an experienced engineer said into the screen: "The space environment is full of uncertainties, and we must always be ready for any situation. The young astronaut next to him replied in awe: "Our mission is not only to complete the flight plan, but also to ensure the safety and stability of the space station." ”
Every mission of China's space station is not only a demonstration of technology, but also a test of human courage and wisdom. In this vast universe, Chinese astronauts have written a space chapter belonging to the Chinese nation with their wisdom and courage.
The astronauts of Shenzhou-17 will continue to fight in space and carry out more experimental restoration work.
According to the planning of China's manned space program, Shenzhou 18 and Shenzhou 19 are scheduled to set sail to the sea of stars in the spring and autumn of 2024. Yang Liwei, the first astronaut in the space, revealed that the astronauts for the two missions have been selected, and they are undergoing intense and systematic training to cope with the upcoming challenges.
Six months in orbit is a lasting test for astronauts. Not only do they have to complete the established scientific experiments and maintenance tasks, but they also have to be ready to deal with unexpected situations, such as the installation and commissioning of experimental equipment, and even possible emergency maintenance.
The three astronauts of Shenzhou-17 are all pilots, which is closely related to the nature of their mission, which is very different from the previous Shenzhou-16 crew. The crew of Shenzhou-16 is an all-round combination that covers the three specialties of astronauts.
Four of China's third cohorts of astronauts have completed their first mission, including one female astronaut, and her presence is a testament to the diversity and inclusiveness of the space team.
With the continuous advancement of China's space station project, the second batch of astronauts has gradually become the mainstay of space missions. For example, Tang Hongbo, the astronaut who shone on the Shenzhou-12 mission, once again played a key role in the Shenzhou-17 mission, marking his second visit to Tiangong.
For the upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission, some speculation points to the possibility that the astronauts of Shenzhou-13 may take on important responsibilities, including Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu.
However, on the question of whether Wang Yaping will be the commander of Shenzhou 18, it seems unlikely at present. Often, once an astronaut has been selected for a particular mission, they enter an intensive training period with little public appearance. Wang Yaping also participated in a public event in November 2023, which may suggest that she will not be involved in the next mission.
In this context, the possibility of Ye Guangfu becoming the commander is even more obvious. But at the same time, new faces in the third batch of astronauts, especially female astronauts, are equally likely to appear in the crew of Shenzhou-18.
At a space station planning meeting, an experienced flight plan designer said, "We had to balance the experience and new perspectives of the astronauts when selecting them. A new flight engineer excitedly added, "The new astronauts will bring new impetus and possibilities to our mission." ”
It is this meticulous planning and collaborative spirit that makes every mission of China's space station run smoothly. Whether it is an experienced veteran astronaut or a vigorous new team member, they are writing a new chapter in China's space exploration.
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