A joint drill for China's upcoming Shenzhou-21 crewed mission was conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday, making final preparations for the country's new manned space launch program.
Under the unified dispatch of the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Xi'an Satellite Tracking and Control Center, and various other tracking and control stations involved in the mission conducted joint debugging and control at around 08:30, comprehensively simulating various technical conditions and work processes during preparations, launch and flight.
The joint drill verified the reliability of systems and equipment such as rockets, spacecraft, launch sites, and telemetry and communication systems, and tested the level of coordination between the various systems during the mission.
"Through the joint drill involving all the mission areas, we simulated the tracking and control process on the launch day. During the drill, we conducted a final inspection of the equipment, re-verified its technical status, and retrained our personnel. We also further refined our contingency plans. We are ready to escort the Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew into space," said Zhao Guohua, a space engineer at the Qingdao Space Tracking and Control Station under the Xi'an Satellite Tracking and Control Center.
The joint drill also verified the functions and technical status of the combination of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship and its Long March-2F Y21 carrier rocket.
"The joint drill is like a comprehensive physical examination on the spacecraft. First, it proves that the status of all systems and equipment on the spacecraft is good. The drill also tested the conditions of mutual matching between the astronaut system and each of the major systems including the rocket system, launch site system, and telemetry and control system, proving that the interfaces are compatible and in good condition, and that the spacecraft is ready for launch," Liu Xiaochen, a space engineer at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, said at the launch site.
In response to the potential challenges of low temperatures, seasonal strong winds, and sandstorms during this mission, the mission team has formulated targeted measures for weather forecasting, tower sealing, air conditioning support, and emergency plans.
"The enclosed area where the rocket and spacecraft are located now has two layers of insulation. After today's full-area drill and the completion of our full-system gas inspection, the following steps include the loading of rocket propellants and the final launch that everyone is eagerly anticipating," said He Pengju, an engineer at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
As the Chinese space station is about to enter the rendezvous and docking orbit, the Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew conducted a manual rendezvous and docking drill to prepare for the arrival of the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft.
The Shenzhou-20 crew has been in orbit for half a year since their launch on April 24, 2025. The crew members have conducted various scientific experiments and tasks aboard China's Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou-21 mission will replace the Shenzhou-20 mission also for a six-month stay in orbit.
China's Shenzhou-21 mission undergoes joint drill for launch, ready for liftoff
China's Shenzhou-21 mission undergoes joint drill for launch, ready for liftoff
