Xinhua News Agency Express: The selection of the fourth batch of astronauts on the mainland is about to be completed. After joining the team, they will work with active astronauts to carry out follow-up missions on the space station and realize the landing of Chinese on the moon.
News + The Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft is aimed at launching at 20:59 Beijing time on April 25, and the astronaut crew is composed of astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu.
At the press conference of the Shenzhou-18 manned mission held on April 24, Lin Xiqiang, spokesman of the China Manned Space Project and deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, introduced that Shenzhou-18 will take zebrafish and goldfish algae as research objects to implement the first in-orbit aquatic ecology research project in China. The mainland will also step up research and promote the participation of foreign astronauts and space tourists in space station flights.
Astronauts raise fish in space for the first time
Lin Xiqiang introduced that after the space station mission enters the normalized duty, the Shenzhou 18 astronaut crew will manage and take care of the space station and application payload as planned, carry out space station maintenance and maintenance and status inspection, and ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the space station.
The Shen-18 crew will carry out more than 90 experiments in the fields of microgravity basic physics, space materials science, space life science, aerospace medicine, and aerospace technology by using the cabin scientific experiment cabinet and extravehicular loads. For example, the Shenzhou-18 will go up to the experimental device and related samples, and will implement the first domestic in-orbit aquatic ecology research project, with zebrafish and goldfish algae as research objects, to establish a stable operation of the space self-circulating aquatic ecosystem in orbit, and achieve a breakthrough in the continent's cultivation of vertebrates in space. It will also carry out the world's first in-orbit study on the function of plant stem stem cells, reveal the adaptation mechanism of plant evolution to gravity, and provide theoretical support for the subsequent directional design of space crops adapted to the space environment.
On the basis of the existing space debris protection measures for the space station, the astronaut crew will install debris protection and reinforcement devices on extravehicular pipelines, cables and key equipment through out-of-cabin activities, and carry out extravehicular inspections according to the situation to further ensure the safety of the space station.
The selection of the fourth batch of astronauts is about to be completed
We are stepping up research to promote "space tourists"
Lin Xiqiang introduced that in accordance with the national manned space development strategy, the mainland astronaut team has gradually developed and expanded, closely focusing on the needs of manned space flight missions:
- In 1998, the first batch of 14 astronauts from the mainland were selected from among the pilots of the Air Force.
- In 2010, a second batch of seven astronauts was selected from among the pilots of the Air Force.
- In 2020, the third batch of astronaut selection will be completed, including a total of 18 astronauts of three different types: astronaut pilots, flight engineers, and payload specialists.
- At present, the selection of the fourth batch of astronauts is about to be completed.
Lin Xiqiang said that the first batch of astronauts braved hardships and overcame difficulties, successfully completed the first manned flight, the first out-of-cabin activity, the first hand-controlled docking and other landmark tasks of historical significance, and led the second batch of astronauts to make outstanding contributions to the completion of the construction of the space station, which is worthy of respect. After the fourth batch of astronauts joins the team, they will work with the active astronauts to implement the follow-up mission of the space station and realize the landing of Chinese on the moon.
Lin Xiqiang introduced that with the approval of the central government, the fourth batch of reserve astronauts was selected for the first time in Hong Kong and Macao. At present, the selection work has been basically completed, and relevant information will be officially released to the public soon, and the specific selection results of Hong Kong and Macao will be notified to the SAR Government as soon as possible.
"On the whole, the mainland astronaut contingent has a reasonable age ladder, a diverse professional composition, and excellent work style and quality, and every astronaut has always kept in mind the mission of flying since joining the contingent, and has performed well in all aspects such as ideology, body, psychology, and professional skills. Lin Xiqiang said that in the next step, he will also pay close attention to research and promote foreign astronauts and space tourists to participate in the flight of the space station, and in the near future, China's space station will usher in more new members with different identities.
Construction of Wenchang manned lunar exploration and launch site
Full implementation launched
Lin Xiqiang introduced that in 2023, the lunar landing phase of the manned lunar exploration project will be approved by the central government to start implementation, and the overall goal is to achieve Chinese landing on the moon by 2030, and the development and construction of various systems are currently being carried out as planned.
The Long March 10 carrier rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, the lunar lander, the lunar landing suit, and other major flight products have all completed the development of the program, and the production of initial samples and various tests are being carried out in an all-round way. The spacecraft and lander have basically completed the development of mechanical and thermal test products, the rocket is carrying out various types of engine ground test vehicles, the construction of the Wenchang manned lunar exploration and launch site has been fully launched, and the manned lunar rover and lunar surface payload program that is openly solicited from the whole society is being selected for the best.
Compared with the space station mission, the astronauts in the lunar mission need to be trained to master the operation of the Mengzhou spacecraft and the lunar lander under normal and emergency flight conditions, and also need to master the skills of moon surface exit/entry, weight-bearing walking under 1/6 gravity conditions, long-distance driving of lunar rover, lunar surface drilling, sampling and scientific investigation.
Lin Xiqiang said that manned lunar exploration is a highly challenging, innovative, and leading major scientific and technological project, and the follow-up will make overall plans for the development and construction of various tasks to ensure that the mission objectives are achieved as scheduled.
The Divine XVII crew returned on April 30
Lin Xiqiang introduced that the Shenzhou 17 crew is the second flight crew ushered in by the space station into the application and development stage, and the current in-orbit work is progressing smoothly, and the three astronauts are in good condition, and they plan to return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 30.
"Shenzhou-17 commander Tang Hongbo has not only become the longest astronaut in space on the mainland so far, but also the Chinese astronaut with the shortest interval between two missions, which has accumulated valuable experience for us to carry out mission crew rotation and training on a regular basis. Lin Xiqiang introduced.
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Source: Xinhua News Agency, Beijing Daily
Compiled and distributed by Shaoxing News and Media Center