Shenzhou-7 calendar

Source: CCTV.com | 09-25-2008 17:06

Now let's take a look at more details relating to Shenzhou 7 in 2008.

On April 25th, China's first ever data relay satellite, called "Tian-lian", was launched at Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the data relay satellite will help scientists get more scientific data collected by other satellites within a short timeframe.

It will also help them to quickly learn about any malfunction of the spacecraft. Zhang Jianqi,a top official with China's space programs says the "Tian-lian" satellite alone can cover 60 percent of the orbit of Shenzhou VII.

A spokesman for the China manned space engineering office announced on June 12th, that they had made plans for six astronauts selected for the Shenzhou VII spacecraft. Three of them would be manning the spacecraft and three substitutes.
Two of the astronauts on board the spacecraft were preparing for the historic spacewalk. And the remaining astronaut was expected to carry out scientific experiments. They are now undergoing a battery of tests, and training in the Launch Field. The spacewalk mission is crucial for China to establish a space laboratory or station.

The Chinese Manned Space Flight Program said on September 16th, that the spacesuit for the Shenzhou 7 mission's spacewalk had passed inspection and was ready. The locally-made spacesuit weighs 120 kilograms and costs about 30 million yuan, or 4.4 million US dollars.

This spacesuit for extravehicular activities can protect astronauts from dramatic temperature changes and radiation in space as well as providing them with food, oxygen and equipment to communicate with the spaceship. The extravehicular spacesuit is now on board the Shenzhou 7 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

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Editor:Zhang Pengfei