China has launched its first crewed mission to its new space station. The agency has sent three astronauts in the first of four crewed space flights. The mission aims to complete the construction of its space station by end of 2022.
The crew includes astronauts Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming, and Tang Hongbo. The mission was sent into orbit aboard Shenzhou-12 spacecraft from Jiuquan in northwestern Gansu province, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said.
It will be the country’s longest crewed mission to date and the first in almost 5 years. This will be a step further in China’s ambitions to establish itself as a space power.
“The task is very arduous and there are many challenges. My colleagues and I will cooperate closely, operate carefully and overcome all difficulties,” said Nie Haisheng, mission commander.
Oldest astronaut in space
Nie is the oldest astronaut to go into space. He noted that he has packed “things for entertainment and for hosting mini get-togethers” during the mission. The other two members of the crew are also members of the Chinese military.
The three astronauts have been through more than 6,000 hours of training that involved underwater somersaults with full gear, to get accustomed to their suits for spacewalks. They simulated making repairs underwater for several hours, as per officials.
The crew will have the option to choose from 120 different types of food, and for exercise, they are provided with “space treadmills” as they prepare to stay aboard the Tiangong space station.
Eight more missions planned
The main Tianhe module of the space station has separate living areas for each astronaut and has a shared bathroom, dining area, and a communication center to send data back to ground control.
The three astronauts will be carrying out tests and maintenance of systems alongside spacewalks and scientific research. The Chinese space agency officials have already confirmed another eight planned missions over the next one and a half years to finish the construction of the space station. Future missions will also include solar panel attachments and two laboratory modules. The space station is expected to have a lifespan of at least 10 years.
