Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship ready for launch

The Shenzhou-18 crewed space mission completed its last joint practice on Tuesday before launch, with all systems in good condition and ready for the mission.

With the unified dispatch of the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Xi'an Satellite Control Center and the mission's various sub control stations coordinated a comprehensive simulation of various technical states and work processes during launch preparation, launch, and flight of the Shenzhou-18.

The final joint rehearsal is the one with all the necessary procedures in place, making it the most accurate simulation of the actual process before the launch.

"Currently, our spacecraft system is functioning normally with all performance indicators within expected parameters. The interface with the rocket and the data from various systems and equipment within the spacecraft are all normal, and the environmental control and health protection system are also operating as expected. We have completed all necessary preparations for the launch," said Luo Guqing, a researcher of the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

April is typically the windiest and sandiest month at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The meteorological staff at the launch site have analyzed April's wind speed data over the past 10 years and mapped out multiple contingency response plans.

The rocket system has also worked out protective measures. "To address the windy and sandy conditions, we've mapped out specific measures. If the weather forecast predicts strong winds and sandstorms, we'll block and wrap the exposed parts before the launch pad opens. This ensures that the launch can proceed smoothly despite challenging weather conditions," said Gu Mingkun, a researcher of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the CASC. Currently, facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition, and the site is set to proceed with the scheduled rocket propellant filling and launch. Meanwhile, the emergency response team for the rocket's ascent phase is fully prepared and making necessary arrangements.

The air detachment has conducted over 10 specialized flight training sessions involving flight, maintenance, and support personnel, and both personnel and equipment are currently in optimal conditions.

Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship ready for launch

Customers in Shanghai are flooding back to brick and mortar stores to upgrade their home appliances thanks to advances in energy efficiency and the availability of subsidies offered by local government, home appliance brands and retailers.

A store in Shanghai's downtown Changning District has welcomed an average of 2,800 customers on a daily basis in recent days.

Labels on some home appliances show that customers have access to a 10 percent subsidy as long as the products they buy are energy efficient.

"With this 10-percent subsidy, I decided to make offline purchase at this store. It's cheaper after all," said one customer.

This 10 percent subsidy is offered by the Shanghai government to boost consumption.

Retailers are also offering subsidies, further driving up consumption.

"If a customer is buying a product with grade one energy label, while at the same time has an old machine for replacement, the customer can enjoy a 10 percent subsidy from the government. And our platform and the manufacturer together offer a 10 percent subsidy for trade-in goods. And we are also offering an additional seven to eight percent subsidy for sets, and a five percent subsidy for single items. So the customer can generally get a 35 to 40 percent subsidy," said Yang Xu, procurement and sales manager with a Shanghai branch of China's e-commerce giant JD.com.

Noticeably, people are willing to buy more products, especially more high-end models.

"Things are now cheaper. So I have money left for high-end products. I've spent 20,000 yuan (about 2,764 U.S. dollars) here. In the past, I would not choose a refrigerator of more than 13,000 yuan (about 1796 U.S. dollars). I would only buy one with half its price. And I was not planning to buy a TV. But now, I've decided to buy one," said one customer.

Boosting consumption is just one upside of such trade-in programs. Replacing old machines with more energy efficient models also aligns with the country's carbon reduction goals.

China has pledged to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2060.

Home appliances trade-in programs boost consumption, protect environment