China launches new crewed mission into space | BBC News

China's Tiangong Space Station Mission: Summary

Key Concepts:

• Jiuan Space Launch Center: China's launch site in the Gobi Desert.
• Tiangong Space Station: China's space station.
• Taichonauts: Chinese astronauts.
• Space Debris Protection Device: A device to protect against damage from space debris.
• Plenarians: A type of worm.
• Zebra Fish: A type of fish used in life science experiments.
• Streptoces: A type of bacteria used in life science experiments.
• Dongfang Landing Site: The expected landing site for the returning astronauts.
• Chinese People's Space Dream: President Xi Jinping's term for China's space ambitions.

1. Launch and Crew:

• The launch took place from the Jiuan Space Launch Center, located in the Gobi Desert.
• Three Chinese astronauts, referred to as "taichonauts," were launched to the Tiangong Space Station.
• The taichonauts are: Chen Dong (mission leader), Chen Jangri, and Wang Ja.
• Chen Dong is a veteran space explorer and the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over 200 days in orbit. Chen Jangri and Wang Ja are on their first space flight.

2. Mission Objectives:

• The primary objective is to replace the existing three-person crew who have been on the Tiangong Space Station since October of the previous year.
• The new crew will stay on the station for approximately six months.
• They will conduct various experiments, install a space debris protection device, perform recovery tasks, replenish supplies, carry out general maintenance, and conduct spacewalks.
• They will also conduct three life science experiments involving zebra fish, plenarians (a type of worm), and a type of bacteria (Streptoces).

3. Life Science Experiments:

• The taichonauts are carrying live organisms (zebra fish, plenarians, and bacteria) to conduct life science experiments in space.
• The specific details of these experiments were not elaborated upon in the transcript.

4. Space Debris Protection:

• A key task is the installation of a space debris protection device.
• This device aims to mitigate the damage caused by space debris, which poses a threat to satellites and other spacecraft.

5. Return of Previous Crew:

• The current crew of three taichonauts is scheduled to return to Earth on April 29th at the Dongfang landing site.

6. China's Space Ambitions:

• The launch is part of China's broader ambition to become a leading space power, rivaling the United States.
• China is investing billions of dollars into its space program.
• President Xi Jinping refers to this ambition as the "Chinese people's space dream."
• China has plans for a crewed mission to the moon by the end of the decade and the eventual construction of a lunar base.

7. Public Support and Celebration:

• The launch was met with public enthusiasm, with crowds waving national flags and celebrating in the streets.

8. Notable Quotes:

• President Xi Jinping: "Chinese people's space dream" (referring to China's space ambitions).

9. Technical Terms:

• Taichonauts: The term used by China to refer to its astronauts.
• Space Debris: Particles in space that can cause damage to spacecraft.
• Tiangong: The name of China's space station.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The launch of the three taichonauts to the Tiangong Space Station represents a significant step in China's ambitious space program. The mission involves a range of scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and the installation of a space debris protection device. This mission underscores China's commitment to becoming a major player in space exploration and its rivalry with the United States in the space domain. The inclusion of life science experiments with live organisms highlights the scientific focus of the mission.