The Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft is the eighteenth spacecraft launched by the mainland's manned space program, and the Long March-2F Yao-18 carrier rocket was successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on April 25, 2024. This mission marks another important milestone in the application and development phase of the continental space station.
The mission that Shenzhou 18 will perform
During the docking of Shenzhou-18 with the Tiangong space station and the follow-up work, a number of key tasks will be performed. Like what:
Radial rendezvous and docking with the core module of the space station: After the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft is successfully put into orbit, it will dock with the core module of the Chinese space station, providing a channel for astronauts to enter the core module of the space station.
Astronauts stationed in the space station and carry out scientific research: After the three astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu are stationed in the space station, they will manage and take care of the space station and application payloads as planned, carry out space station maintenance and status inspection, and ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the space station. At the same time, they 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.
Mission: The Shenzhou-18 crew will carry out multiple out-of-cabin activities, including installing debris protection and reinforcement devices on extravehicular pipelines, cables and key equipment, and carrying out extravehicular inspections as appropriate to further ensure the safety of the space station.
What are the innovative tasks?
Among the many key tasks carried out by Shenzhou 18, there are some projects that have not been carried out by the mainland in the construction and operation of Tiangong in the past, and the following three types are typical:
On-orbit aquatic ecology research project: Shenzhou-18 will implement the first domestic on-orbit aquatic ecology research project, with zebrafish and goldfish algae as research objects, establish a stable operation of the space self-circulating aquatic ecosystem, and achieve a breakthrough in cultivating vertebrates in space. This project not only contributes to the construction of a new ecological environment and ecosystem in space, but also provides an important reference for life support systems in long-term manned space missions.
On-orbit research on plant shoot tip stem cell function: Shenzhou-18 will also carry out the world's first on-orbit study of plant shoot tip stem cell function, revealing the adaptation mechanism of plant evolution to gravity, and providing theoretical support for the subsequent directional design of space crops adapted to the space environment. This research will help solve the problem of growing crops in space and provide the possibility for future food production in space.
Spacecraft debris protection technology: The Shenzhou-18 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 as appropriate to further ensure the safety of the space station. This is an innovative application of spacecraft debris protection technology that helps to improve the survivability and reliability of the space station.
Follow-up operation plan of Tiangong space station
After the successful launch of the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft and the completion of its mission, the mainland's plans for the construction and operation of the space station will continue to advance steadily.
The first is the regular operation and expansion of the space station. The successful implementation of the Shenzhou-18 mission marks that the continental space station has entered the stage of normal operation. On this basis, the mainland plans to continue to launch subsequent manned spacecraft and cargo spacecraft to maintain the normal operation of the space station and the continuation of scientific research activities. At the same time, Continental also plans to expand the space station and add more functional modules to meet the needs of more scientific research and experiments.
The second is to promote manned lunar landings and other deep-space exploration missions. While the space station is being built and operated, China will continue to promote deep space exploration missions such as manned lunar landings. By carrying out these missions, China will further expand the boundaries of human space exploration and lay the foundation for future space travel and deep space colonization. These missions will also promote China's development in the fields of space technology and space science, and enhance the country's comprehensive national strength and international status.
The third is to promote the innovation and application of aerospace technology. China will continue to increase investment in aerospace technology innovation and promote the research and development and application of new technologies and methods. This includes research and application of new propulsion technologies, high-precision navigation technologies, space robotics, and more. The application of these innovative technologies will further enhance China's aerospace capabilities and provide more powerful technical support for future space exploration.
At the same time, the mainland has been actively advocating and promoting international space cooperation and exchanges. In the process of construction and operation of the space station, the mainland will further strengthen cooperation with the International Space Station and other institutions to jointly carry out scientific research experiments and technical exchanges. This will not only help raise the level of the mainland's space technology, but will also promote the common development of the global space industry.
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