China launched the cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-9 in the early morning of Tuesday to deliver supplies for its orbiting Tiangong space station, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
The Long March-7 Y10 rocket, carrying Tianzhou-9, blasted off at 05:34 (Beijing Time) from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan, the agency said.
After about 10 minutes, Tianzhou-9 separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. Its solar panels soon unfolded. The agency declared the launch a complete success.
At 08:52 (Beijing Time), Tianzhou-9 successfully docked at the rear docking port of Tianhe, the core module of China's space station Tiangong.
Tianzhou-9, measuring 10.6 meters in length and 3.35 meters at its maximum diameter, is tasked with delivering supplies to the crews of the Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 missions.
It is loaded with essential supplies, totaling approximately 6.5 tonnes, including consumables for the orbiting crew, propellant, and equipment for application experiments and tests. This is the largest amount of cargo since Tianzhou-6.
Among them, the total weight of scientific experiment supplies is nearly 780 kilograms, which will support 23 scientific experiments to be conducted on the space station.
Notably, two new sets of independently developed extravehicular spacesuits are onboard the craft. Their design lifespan has been significantly increased from 15 extravehicular activities (EVAs) within three years to 20 EVAs within four years, according to the reports from the state broadcaster China Central Television.
Among the supplies carried by the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft is a new core muscle exercise device, helping astronauts avoid muscle atrophy in the microgravity environment of space.
Long-term spaceflight has specific impacts on astronauts' bodies, including muscle atrophy and decreased cardiovascular function. China has already equipped its space station with devices for running, cycling, and microgravity resistance exercise.
On this basis, to meet the needs of future long-term missions, the core muscle exercise device was developed. It can enhance the core muscle function of astronauts, prevent atrophy of the paraspinal muscles, and alleviate muscle pain after returning to Earth.
A brain organoid chip is also onboard the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft. It is capable of simulating the complex microenvironment and functions of the human brain.
Studies have shown that astronauts who stay in space stations for extended periods often experience issues such as dizziness, sleep disorders, and changes in cognitive function, according to China Central Television.
Sending these brain-simulating organ chips to the space station can help scientists study the mechanisms through which the space environment impacts the human brain. This will provide new strategies and interventions for long-term survival and health maintenance in space.
Furthermore, brain organoid chips can also provide important support for the research of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Additionally, using the experimental supplies, the space station will also carry out scientific experiments such as new materials and combustion in microgravity environments, providing support for the innovative development of related technologies.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Shenzhou-20 crew has entered the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft and begun cargo transfer and related work as planned.
Tuesday's mission is the fourth cargo resupply flight of China's manned space program since the space station entered the application and development phase. It is also the 584th mission of the Long March rocket series.
The Long March-7 rocket, with a total length of 53.1 meters and a diameter of 3.35 meters, is a new-generation medium-lift launch vehicle in China, characterized by its high reliability, high safety, and environmentally friendly design. The rocket has a low-Earth orbit payload capacity of up to 14 tonnes.
China launches Tianzhou-9 cargo craft to send space station supplies
China launches Tianzhou-9 cargo craft to send space station supplies
China launches Tianzhou-9 cargo craft to send space station supplies
