The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization has initiated the trial run of a ground-based mock-up of China's Tiangong space station laboratory, which is expected be officially operated in conjunction of the upcoming Shenzhou-18 crewed mission.
The ground-based mock-up features 14 scientific experiment cabinets, mirroring the exact number on the Tiangong space station.
"The mock-up is a replica exactly the same size of the station in space. We also call it the 'parallel system'. Now we have finished the construction of its main structure," said Wang Lye, senior engineer of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization.
After passing the tests, the mock-up will be used to conduct compatibility tests for payloads and experimental samples before they are sent to space. Astronauts will also be able to undergo operational training for space experiments on the ground, according to CAS engineers.
If malfunctions are spotted during experiments on the space station, they can also be tested and adjusted in the mock-up, said the engineers, adding that they are also looking forward to comparing and studying the data obtained from the space station and the mock-up.
"The official operation is anticipated to start during the Shenzhou-18 crewed mission. At that time we would be able to conduct both ground-based and space-based experiments synchronously, based on which we can engage in the research on the differences between ground-based and space-based experiments," Wang said.
The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 20:59 Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, the China Manned Space Agency announced earlier at a press conference on Wednesday.
Ground-based mock-up of China's space station lab undergoes trial run
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draws closer in July, 27 Chinese volunteers were selected among students from 14 French Alliance partner universities in China for the sports event after two rounds of selection, including an interview and assessment of their ability in event organization,
Two of them are Chen Penghan and Liu Jinyu, students at Beijing Language and Culture University. They were selected first and foremost because of their enthusiasm and passion.
"Because I majored in translation, I want to give all of my strengths and my language ability. In addition, I am also a veteran sports fan, often playing badminton, basketball and table tennis. I am very passionate about sports and I want to put my effort and enthusiasm into it, to make contributions to the Olympic Games," said Chen.
The Olympics have always been inextricably linked with youth and the two volunteers from Beijing have their own understanding of the Olympics.
"Regarding the Games, I would like to quote Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Games: 'The most important thing in the Olympics is not to win, but to take part'. We will work with volunteers from all over the world, young and old, to come together and contribute to the Olympics, which I think is a very meaningful thing," said Chen.
"In particular, I note that the 2024 Paris Olympics will be the most equal in terms of gender, as it will be the first time in history that the number of female athletes will reach 50 percent. For me, or for all of us, this is a very, very inspiring thing," added Liu Jinyu, another Paris Olympics volunteer.
The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, with the Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee revealed they have received over 300,000 volunteer applications and recruited 45,000 helpers to serve for the Games.
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France. The Paris 2024 Volunteers program showcases the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the fields of sports and education.
Twenty-seven Chinese volunteers selected for Paris 2024 Games
