Space launch timing is like a chess match?
China's timing
for its first manned spaceship flight will be decided in line with
conditions in orbit, the craft's needs for orbital movements and
working conditions and requirements for ground monitoring and
control, according to a Chinese expert.
Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's spaceship launch center
system in Jiuquan, Northwest China's Gansu
Province, said a mathematical model has been constructed with
relevant data after a series of "careful calculations.''
China has cautiously announced a "Projection Window'' regarding
the timing for the launch of its first manned space vehicle into
the orbit, saying only that it will occur sometime between October
15-17.
While officials have kept details close to the vest, they have
indicated some conditions are critical to the launch decision.
First the spacecraft should be positioned in orbit with its solar
panels facing the sun to ensure adequate energy supply to the
vehicle during free flight.
Second, an optimum angle must be selected to prevent direct
irradiation from the sun of the three infrared sensors that are
used to measure the earth, while a standard temperature is
maintained within the capsule.
"It is very difficult to satisfy all these requirements
simultaneously when the ship flies into orbit,'' Zhou
explained.
"The room is very small for choosing the 'window' since climatic
conditions vary in different seasons,'' he said.
(China Daily October 14, 2003)
