Science and Space

space and astronomy articles.

China’s second manned space mission on Oct. 13

China announced plans to launch its second manned space mission on Oct. 13. The flight will involve two astronauts and return five days later.

The launch of Shenzhou VI is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Base, in the Gobi desert in northern China. Shenzhou VI is not just a duplicate of "Shenzhou V" at all. Over 100 technological modifications have been made in "Shenzhou VI". The prolonged flight of "Shenzhou VI" will also be conducive to scientific research. "Shenzhou VI" will carry more subjects of experiment up the space. During the long flight, the two astronauts will be able to take off their 10 kg space suits, open the door between the return cabin and the orbit cabin, and enter for the first time the orbit cabin to conduct scientific experiments. In the cabin of "Shenzhou VI", sleeping bags are provided in order to make the astronauts more comfortable; and the two astronauts can also warm up their food, do some sanitary work, and take a rest in turn.

Three groups with a total of six astronauts are available to be finally chosen for "Shenzhou VI" in the countdown period. Zhai Zhigang, who was once Yang Liwei’s close comrade-in-arms, and Nie Haisheng are one of the three final groups. As viewed from various data and analyses, the "Zhai-Nie" group should be the strongest group with the greatest confidence. It is quite probable that this group will embark on "Shenzhou VI". However, this still depends on what happens in the last minute.

posted by: kyawoo at 10:58 | link | comments |
manned missions

Comments: