China to send Three Astronauts to Space Station

According to space official of China, a three-man crew of astronauts will be sent for three-month mission on new space station of China in June 2021.

Highlights

Plans for station’s first crew were confirmed to state after an automated spacecraft was launched with fuel and supplies for Tianhe station.

What is Tianhe station?

Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony is third and largest space station launched by China. Core module of the station was launched on April 29, 2021 into the orbit highlighting increasingly ambitious space program of China.

How crew will be sent to space station?

Shenzhou 12 capsule will carry the crew. Capsule will be launched from Jiuquan base in northwest China.

Why they will be sent?

Space Crew will be sent to station to practice spacewalks and conduct repairs, maintenance and conduct scientific operations.

Tianzhou-2 spacecraft

This spacecraft was lift-off from China carrying 6.8 tons of cargo such as space suits, food and equipment for astronauts and fuel for station.

China’s manned missions

In 2003, China had sent 11 astronauts which included two women, into space beginning. First female astronaut was Liu Yang in 2012.

About Tianzhou

It is a Chinese automated cargo spacecraft which was developed by China’s first space station Tiangong-1. It is used to resupply modular space station. Spacecraft was launched on Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang in 2017. This was the first version of spacecraft and has a mass of 12,910 kg.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021