China launched 3 LEO communication test satellites
20 May 2022
On 20 May, China successfully sent 3 low-orbit communication test satellites into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The Long March-2C launched at 18:30 BJT. The satellites entered the planned orbit. They are intended for tests and verifications of in-orbit communication technologies.
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Zhurong switched to dormant mode in anticipation of Martian dust storm
20 May 2022
Zhurong has been switched to dormant mode on 18 May, while waiting out a dust storm on the surface of the planet, CNSA said. The decision was taken after comparing recent images taken by onboard cameras on the Tianwen 1 orbiter were compared with photos taken during the last 2 months. Additionally, the power data of the rover's solar wings were analysed. The conclusion was that an intense Martian dust storm is nearing and in order to tackle the dust storms and low-temperature challenges, the Chinese rover went into dormancy. Zhurong is expected to wake up and resume work in December when the dust clears and Mars enters its spring season. Scientists will continue to use the Tianwen 1 orbiter to monitor the weather on Mars' southern hemisphere.
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Chinese aerospace experts criticize remarks by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
19 May 2022
Chinese aerospace experts slammed NASA's Administrator Bill Nelson for his "ridiculous" and "outrageous" remarks after the senior official alleged that China is "good at stealing" American designs in a "space race." China has achieved space achievements beyond the US despite the strong blockade of the country because China is taking the road of independent space development, experts stressed.
During Nelson's testimony at the House Appropriations Committee hearing on 17 May, he expressed his views when Alabama representative, Robert Aderholt, asked about the steps taken by NASA "to secure American research and development." Aderholt was reportedly referring to the "jarring similarities" that were noticed between the U.S. and Chinese spacecrafts, U.S. media reported on 18 May.
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Search for habitable planet via space telescope
19 May 2022
Chinese scientists have proposed a space project to survey the sky through a space-borne telescope to hunt for habitable Earth-like planets outside our solar system, about 32 light-years from Earth. The project, named Closeby Habitable Exoplanet Survey (CHES), if carried out, will be the first space mission specially designed to search for habitable terrestrial planets around nearby Sun-like stars.
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