The optical measurement team at China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center are dedicated to providing intuitive and clear image data for all space launch missions, including the upcoming launch of Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship.
The team uses cameras to precisely measure the rocket's flight trajectory in real time, capture key flight states, and provide the most intuitive images for the command center and live TV broadcasts.
It serves as "eyes" for each space launch, offering visual references to experts to make decisions.
"The task of our optical measurement team is to make the 'eyes' brighter, more stable, and always in good working order. As there are more and more missions, our optical equipment needs greater stability and durability," said Sun Rui, an engineer at the launch center.
By deploying optical devices of different types for continuous tracking, the optical measurement team has achieved full-arc coverage from rocket ignition to orbit insertion. With the support of multiple stations equipped with different devices, the team can obtain the best flight images of the rocket at different stages.
To make their data more reliable for crewed space launch missions, the team, based on the overall technical plan, has formulated contingency plans for the optical measurement devices and carried out targeted trainings.
"We have made efforts in equipment optimization and personnel improvement, strengthened daily maintenance and inspection, established a full-process equipment control mechanism, regularly sorted out equipment hazards and carried out targeted debugging to ensure that the equipment is always in the best condition. We have also focused on technical shortcomings to carry out scientific research and innovation to enhance the flexibility and convenience of the equipment, improve the imaging accuracy of key parts of the rocket, and make the equipment more suitable for complex mission requirements," said Sun.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship is slated to be launched at an appropriate time in the coming days, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said on Saturday.
The combination of the spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket has been transferred to the launching area, according to the CMSA.
All facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition. Various pre-launch function checks and joint tests are being carried out as planned.
Optical measurement team provides intuitive, clear image data for launch missions
