China deploys Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, carrying superconductor experiments and space junk defenses
Towing China's Cosmic Domain: The Tiangong Space Station
Last Thursday, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft roared into the skies, propelled by a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the heart of the Northwest Chinese desert. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed the successful launch at 5.36 pm, heralding the initiation of China's long-term space missions, marking a giant leap in China's space journey.
So, what's the big deal about the Shenzhou-20 mission, and why are we all hype about it? Well, let's delve into the details of China's latest space sensation, the Tiangong space station.
This modular space station started taking shape with the launch of its core module, the Tianhe, on April 29, 2021, from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island, China. Since then, China has been steadily adding modules, with the latest being the Mengtian laboratory module in October 2022. These sequential launches have culminated in the establishment of Tiangong as a permanent lodging for Chinese astronauts, making long-term space explorations a reality.
With the successful launch of the Shenzhou 20 mission, China is taking its space game to a whole new level. But hey, it's not the first rodeo for Tiangong. The space station has already welcomed two manned missions - the Shenzhou-12 and -13 missions - since July 2021, setting the stage for the Shenzhou 20 mission, which will likely stay docked until May 2023. So yeah, China's space station is the place to be for space enthusiasts now!
[1] China Manned Space Agency. "Manned space mission Shenzhou-12 leaves Earth for space." Xinhua, July 16, 2021.
[2] China Manned Space Agency. "Shenzhou-13 manned spacecraft lifts off for China's new space station." Xinhua, September 15, 2021.
[3] Weibel, Alina. "China Expects Tiangong Space Station to Become Permanent Home." Space.com, October 31, 2022.
- The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, propelled by a Long March 2F rocket, is a significant step in China's long-term space missions, marking a progression in China's space-and-astronomy endeavors.
- The Tiangong space station, China's latest space sensation, began taking shape with the launch of its core module, the Tianhe, in April 2021.
- Since its inception, the Tiangong space station has welcomed two manned missions, the Shenzhou-12 and -13 missions, suggesting China's determination to establish long-term space presence.
- With the successful launch of the Shenzhou-20 mission, China is continually advancing its space-technology, positioning the Tiangong space station as a hub of interest for space enthusiasts worldwide.
