The weather condition at the main landing field is key to the spacecraft's landing. The landing can't take place with thunderstorms, rain or strong winds. The most important meteorological factor is the strength of the wind. CCTV’s James Kim takes a look at what weather conditions are needed to ensure a safe re-entry for the capsule. 10 kilometers above the ground, that's the distance when the re-entry capsule opens the parachute. Then the capsule will slow down as it approaches the ground. But if the wind is too strong, the capsule may fly out of the designated landing area, which will complicate the search and rescue mission.

In addition, if the wind speed is too high, the 1,200-square-meter parachute may cause the capsule to roll violently. This will threaten the astronauts' safety.

Wu Bin, Chief Designer, Manned Spacecraft Landing Field System, said, "The capsule is made of metal. Thunder and lightning can damage the telecommunication devices on it. Meanwhile, if the electronic components are destroyed, the safety of astronauts will be threatened."

To make sure that the capsule can land in the designated landing area, engineers have to adjust the capsule's altitude according to the change of the wind's direction and speed.

There are some basic climate conditions necessary for the search and rescue work when the capsule lands. The speed of the wind at a 300 meter altitude must be within 15 meters per second. No clouds can exist within 1 kilometer above ground. If it snows, the depth of the snow on the ground cannot surpass half a meter. Visibility should be over 10 kilometers.

Wu Bin also said, "Strong winds and heavy rains can make the search and rescue more difficult. For example, the helicopters can't take off under such conditions. Then we cannot find the capsule in time."

A backup landing site has been set up in case of a sudden weather change. The field is about 1,000 kilometers away from the main landing zone.

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