The launch site at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China is fully prepared for the imminent Shenzhou-18 mission, according to the engineers.
The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 8:59 p.m. Thursday (Beijing Time), announced the China Manned Space Agency on Wednesday. It will carry three astronauts -- Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu -- to China's Tiangong space station.
With just a few hours remaining until the launch, staff members at the launch site are making last-minute preparations, such as conducting thorough checks of the rocket and ensuring the proper connection of the battery plug.
"We mainly take charge of confirming the operational status of the low-voltage electrical system in crucial areas for the Shenzhou-18 crewed mission, including the launch tower, and the safe and reliable operation of the electrical system during the astronauts' stay. After our inspection, the electrical system runs with sound functionalities, safe and reliable, and meets the conditions for the mission," said Yu Sanxi, a staff member from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
As April is a typically windy and sandy month at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the meteorological staff at the launch site have analyzed the month's wind speed data over the past 10 years and mapped out multiple contingency response plans.
The meteorological department has intensified the consultations and formulated a number of back-up plans to provide precise meteorological support for determining the optimal launch window period.
"According to the latest data, after discussion, we believe that there are no hazardous weather conditions such as thunderstorms and convection during today's launch window, and overall we believe that today's weather meets the meteorological conditions for the mission," said Ren Fengjie, another staff member from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The rocket and spacecraft engineers have also made targeted adjustments and optimization to enhance reliability and safety for the mission's success.
To address the potential challenges posed by sandy and windy weather conditions, the experts have worked out various contingency measures.
"In view of the strong ground winds, we have reviewed the rocket's ability to withstand the maximum wind speed. During the launch phase, we will seal some of the open cabins before the launch pad opens, conducting some wrapping and gluing to prevent the entry of wind and sand into the rocket and ensure a reliable flight," said Gu Mingkun, a researcher of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
The Shenzhou-18 spacecraft has also undergone some optimizations while maintaining its overall structure and general layout. For the first time, the spacecraft will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which offer improved performance and are better suited for long-duration missions.
"After the battery is optimized and upgraded, it will take up less space, so the payload of the spacecraft is enhanced. The new battery also features faster charging capabilities and improved temperature adaptability, which can effectively improve the reliability and safety of the spacecraft," said Luo Guqing, a researcher of the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Luo also said that the return capsule space of the next batch of Shenzhou spacecraft will be further optimized, and the payload will also be substantially improved.
"Our next batch of spacecraft will see improvements mainly in the equipment and instrument in the return capsule, reducing their weight and size, so that the cargo transport capacity in the space will be further enhanced," he said.
Launch site ready for imminent Shenzhou-18 mission: engineers
