SCIO press conference on China's progress on space station construction
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E-mail China.org.cn, April 20, 2022
Speakers:
Hao Chun, director general of the China Manned Space Agency
Yang Hong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, chief designer of the space station system of the China Manned Space Program (CMSP), and researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology
Huang Weifen, chief designer of the astronaut system of the CMSP and researcher at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center
Sun Jun, chief designer of the space station mission at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center
Zhong Hong'en, deputy chief designer of the space utilization system of the CMSP and researcher at the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Chairperson:
Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
April 17, 2022
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Yesterday, Shenzhou-13's return capsule touched down safely, marking the complete success of the Shenzhou-13 manned mission. Today, we are delighted to have with us Mr. Hao Chun, director general of the China Manned Space Agency; Mr. Yang Hong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, chief designer of the space station system of the China Manned Space Program (CMSP) and researcher at the China Academy of Space Technology; Ms. Huang Weifen, chief designer of the astronaut system of the CMSP and researcher at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center; Mr. Sun Jun, chief designer of the space station mission at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center; and Mr. Zhong Hong'en, deputy chief designer of the space utilization system of the CMSP and researcher at the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. They will introduce China's progress on the construction of its space station and answer your questions.
Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Hao.
Hao Chun:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good afternoon.
It is a great pleasure to meet you, and I would like to thank you for your attention and support of China's manned space program. Yesterday, Shenzhou-13's return capsule safely touched down at the Dongfeng landing site and the crew returned to Beijing in the afternoon. Entrusted by the general headquarters of the space station phased mission, today we will report to you about the Shenzhou-13 manned mission and the progress in the construction of China's space station and answer your questions.
First, let me briefly review the Shenzhou-13 mission: On Oct.16, 2021, the Shenzhou-13 manned spacecraft took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, and later docked with the space station core module. After the docking, the three astronauts entered the core module and began their stay in space. During the mission, the crew took care of and maintained the facilities and equipment of the space station as planned, performed extravehicular activities (EVAs) twice, conducted a number of scientific and technological experiments, and carried out a series of science popularization and education activities such as two "Tiangong Class" lectures. The crew of Shenzhou-13 stayed at the space station for a total of 183 days, setting a record for the country's longest single-flight space mission. At present, the trio are in good health and are recovering following their return to Earth at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center.
The construction of China's space station includes two phases, which are the key technology verification phase and construction phase, respectively, with six missions planned for each phase. Among them, the main objectives of the key technology verification phase is to make breakthroughs in and comprehensively master key technology related to the construction and operation of the space station. Since 2020, we have successfully carried out six missions: the maiden flight of the Long March 5B launch vehicle, the launch of the space station's Tianhe core module, the Shenzhou-12 and Shenzhou-13 manned spacecrafts, and the Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecrafts. All of the missions achieved complete success and accomplished the mission objectives in the key technology verification phase, laying a solid foundation for the construction phase.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has paid great attention to the manned space program. General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited the mission site many times to take command and cordially met representatives of the space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and experiment. The general secretary also took part in a "space-Earth" talk with the crew. All members of the program have always kept in mind the care, trust and expectations of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and made every effort to tackle key problems, overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the development, experiments and flight missions, and achieved consecutive victories. The implementation of the mission has received strong support and full participation from relevant ministries and commissions of the central and local governments at all levels, as well as relevant forces. Here, on behalf of the mission headquarters, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all sectors of society for their concern and support, and journalists for their attention and reports.
According to the mission arrangements, we will complete the construction of the China's orbital space station in 2022. A total of six missions are planned, which are as follows: in May, the Tianzhou-4 cargo spacecraft will be launched; in June, the Shenzhou-14 manned spacecraft carrying three astronauts will be launched and the crew will also stay in orbit for six months; in July, the Wentian lab module will be launched, followed in October by the Mengtian lab module. The three modules of the space station will form a T-shaped space station. Then, we will launch the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft and the Shenzhou-15 manned spacecraft. The crew of Shenzhou-15 will also be composed of three astronauts. These three astronauts will take over from their Shenzhou-14 predecessors, living and working in orbit for six months.
The year 2022 will mark the decisive victory of the construction of the space station and the 30th anniversary of the initiation and implementation of China's manned space program. The construction of China's space station and national space laboratory is an essential objective in the "three-step" development strategy and an important sign of the country's enhanced strengths in aerospace and science and technology in general. We deeply understand our glorious mission and great responsibility while embarking on a new journey in a new era. Throughout the program, we will firmly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions and requirements, be meticulous with the preparation, organization, and implementation, and ensure that all tasks are completed successfully, thus paving the way for a successful 20th CPC National Congress.
Now, we start taking questions. Thank you!
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