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The secret of the new generation of manned spacecraft: How will it replace Shenzhou?
As space exploration continues to advance, China's space program is also constantly innovating. The latest launch of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, as a reusable spacecraft, is aimed at enhancing the country's capabilities in the space field. This spacecraft is not only a replacement for the existing Shenzhou spacecraft, but also an important part of China's plan to achieve lunar exploration by 2030.
Mengzhou represents China's dream of space exploration and will lead us to explore the moon and beyond.
Background of Dream Boat
The development of Mengzhou was undertaken by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and it conducted its first unmanned test flight on May 5, 2020. The spacecraft is designed to consist of two modules: a manned module for returning to Earth and a disposable service module. This design not only improves the carrying capacity, but also enhances the flexibility and versatility of space missions.
The size and capabilities of the Dreamboat will allow it to carry up to six astronauts or deliver 500 kilograms of cargo on space missions. This provides huge potential for China's future exploration of the space station and the moon.
Naming and Meaning
The name of Mengzhou was revealed on the Lantern Festival on February 24, 2024, which not only celebrates family reunion but also symbolizes the expectation for the future of space exploration. The word "Mengzhou" means "dream ship", conveying China's dream of space exploration. Its accompanying lunar lander "Lanyue" demonstrates the country's desire for the moon.
Lanyue will be China's first step towards settling on the moon, and Mengzhou will be the starting point towards that goal.
Technical Features
Mengzhou's flying capability is derived from advanced aerospace technology. Its main modules are reusable and feature a removable heat shield system, which reduces operating costs. In addition, the spacecraft is equipped with a modular design and can be adjusted according to different mission requirements.
According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the Mengzhou is about 8.8 meters long and weighs 21,600 kilograms when fully loaded, including various equipment and propellants. This provides stronger support for future space missions.
Test flight progress
Since 2016, the prototype of Mengzhou has undergone a series of test flights, especially in the test flight in 2020, during which all its performance has been verified. The test flight not only tested the spacecraft's electronic equipment, orbital performance and thermal protection, but also successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its airbag landing system.
These tests demonstrated the stability of the DreamShipTwo in terms of altitude and speed, laying the foundation for future human space missions.
Future Plans
Mengzhou will not only replace Shenzhou, but will also participate in lunar exploration together with the Lanyue lunar lander before 2030. All this undoubtedly indicates that China has taken an important step in space exploration and shows its potential to become a leader in the aerospace field.
As the Dream Boat prepares to enter the manned flight stage, it is expected to send people into space for the first time between 2025 and 2026. This will be an important milestone in China's manned space flight history.
So, with the rise of the Mengzhou, to what future will China's ambition and potential in space exploration lead us?
