2016年CRI Chinese space lab Tiangong-2 kicks off in-orbit tests, waiting for docking with Shenzhou-11

 

Hours after Tiangong-2 was successfully launched, the space lab conducted its first transfer of orbit at 2:45 am Beijing time on Friday morning.

In the meantime, it has also started in-orbit tests, which are a series of examinations on the functions of the lab.

The lab is being tested on its communication system, its mechanism¹ to physically² connect with spacecraft, its capability³ to adapt to a changing external environment, and other important functions.

The second transfer of orbit was conducted on Friday afternoon, sending the lab to a round orbit 380 kilometers away from the ground.

In comparison with its predecessor⁴ Tiangong-1, Tiangong-2 is orbiting further from the Earth.

Sun Jun, deputy chief engineer at Beijing Aerospace⁵ Control Center, which is responsible for the space lab after its launch, says a higher orbit for Tiangong-2 has a long-term purpose.

"Tiangong-2's orbit is nearly 50 kilometers higher than that of Tiangong-1. At such an altitude, the resistance from the atmosphere is much less. So it means less resources will be needed to keep the space lab running. This is what is needed by the planned Chinese space station in the future. A higher orbit is mainly designed to test the technologies which will be applied⁶ by the space station in the future."

It's been announced that the orbit of Tiangong-2 will be adjusted again to an altitude of more than 390 kilometers before the launch of the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 in October.

Shenzhou-11, which will connect with Tiangong-2, is China's sixth manned spaceflight mission.

Two male astronauts are expected to spend 33 days in outer space, the longest-ever stay for Chinese astronauts.

30 days of that time will be spent on Tiangong-2 where the two astronauts will be conducting a total of 14 scientific experiments.

The remaining 3 days will be used for independent flight outside the space lab.

Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut to travel to space back in 2003, now the deputy head of China's manned space authority, says potential astronauts for the mission are well-prepared at this point.

"As for the training of astronauts, everything is going well. The two crews of astronauts are busy with their preparations. They are currently going through a final-stage, closed-door intensive training program before taking on the flight. The preparation looks great in every way. Our astronauts are in good shape both mentally and physically. They're wrapping up the preparation program. I believe they will have an excellent performance in the upcoming mission."

It's been revealed that the actual astronauts to take the mission will remain a secret until the day before the flight.

Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 are part of China's ambitious plan to build its own space station by around 2020.

China has been barred from participating in the International Space Station, mainly due to objections on the part of the US.

For CRI, this is Ding Heng.

1 mechanism   

n.机械装置；机构，结构

参考例句：

• The bones and muscles are parts of the mechanism of the body.骨骼和肌肉是人体的组成部件。
• The mechanism of the machine is very complicated.这台机器的结构是非常复杂的。

2 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

3 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。

4 predecessor   

n.前辈，前任

参考例句：

• It will share the fate of its predecessor.它将遭受与前者同样的命运。
• The new ambassador is more mature than his predecessor.新大使比他的前任更成熟一些。

5 aerospace   

adj.航空的，宇宙航行的

参考例句：

• The world's entire aerospace industry is feeling the chill winds of recession.全世界的航空航天工业都感受到了经济衰退的寒意。
• Edward Murphy was an aerospace engineer for the US Army.爱德华·墨菲是一名美军的航宇工程师。

6 applied   

adj.应用的；v.应用，适用

参考例句：

• She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
• This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。