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China space walk, docking planned
(SPACE.com)
Updated: 2006-02-26 09:39
Chinese space planners have outlined the objectives
for the next several piloted Shenzhou missions. Next up is Shenzhou 7, China's
third human spaceflight that will liftoff in 2008 and include a space walk.
Shenzhou 8 is set to
showcase the ability to dock, with that expertise leading to China establishing
its own space station.
This step-by-step effort has been outlined by Wang
Zhougui, director of China Manned Space Flight Engineering Office during a
recent lecture.
Wang said that one or two astronauts would walk in space for
roughly one-half hour. Shenzhou 8's mission of docking in space would be
launched around 2009 to 2011, he noted.
Independent means
While far from fast-paced, China is on a steady track to
demonstrate various space abilities.
After a succession of unpiloted Shenzhou shakeout flights, China carried out
its first piloted mission in October 2003, a flight that lasted less than a day.
The solo pilot was Yang Liwei.
Two years later, China's second piloted mission in October 2005 was a
two-person flight. The Shenzhou 6 craft carried Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng,
staying aloft for five days.
Utilized to launch the Shenzhou spacecraft is China's CZ-2F rocket, topped
by an escape tower designed to pull the vehicle free in case of a booster
problem. That nation's human space voyages depart from the Jiuquan Space Launch
Center in northwestern Gansu Province.
China is the third country to demonstrate independent means to carry out
Earth-orbiting human space flight. The former Soviet Union flew the first human
into Earth orbit, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961, followed by the U.S. orbital mission of
John Glenn in 1962.
Moon also target
China is also eyeing the Moon as a target.
Work continues on the nation's Chang'e-1 robotic lunar orbiter
intended for launch in 2007, according to officials.
A Chinese automated lunar lander would follow in 2012,
with the nation's space engineers reportedly targeting 2017 as the time period
for a robotic return of lunar samples back to Earth.
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