Tracking China’s rapid rise in lunar exploration
01 September 2021
Ling Xin interviewed for Physicsworld.com space engineer Su Yan from the National Astronomical Observatories of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, about her involvement in the lunar and Martian exploration programme, the challenges and the successes of her work and about the technology involved in monitoring China’s Moon missions.
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Fengyun 3E weather satellite captures first images of Sun
03 September 2021
The Fengyun 3E weather satellite has captured its first test pictures of the Sun, offering improved assistance in predicting solar activities and their impact on Earth and space weather. The satellite's imaging sensor, the first of its kind, can capture images of hot gases in the Sun's outer atmosphere with X-rays, while extreme ultraviolet images show the Sun's dark bars at a lower temperature. Combining the two images can predict solar eruptions more effectively
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Life support systems aboard the CSS
01 September 2021
The life support systems, which regenerate air, water and other supporting resources, are crucial for the sustainable operation of China's space station. There are 5 such systems at the space station. One is for gas regeneration and purification, including the removal of carbon dioxide and harmful gases. Others include water electrolysis to make oxygen, urine treatment, the collection of condensate water and water treatment.
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China's manned lunar landing until 2030 - not yet approved but conceptualised
31 August 2021
Long Lehao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of Long March rockets gave a talk at the 35th China Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest. He showed a manned lunar landing plan, which is expected to be carried out with two rocket launches by sending two taikonauts to the Moon by around 2030. The launcher is a new variant of the Long March 5 - the CZ-5 DY. One launch brings the lunar lander and the other one a next-generation manned spaceship into the vicinity of the Moon. During the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow, a special press release on this topic will be released.
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