So space debris just became a GPS? That’s pretty amazing!Apologies for the Google translation, but I'm pressed for time.
According to the latest news from the China Manned Space Office, the space debris detection payload carried by the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft has acquired thousands of images as of March this year. Key technologies such as on-orbit detection and identification algorithms and processing of space dim and weak targets, and rapid on-orbit processing of massive data have built a space-ground integrated data application system, realized space-based short-arc orbit determination and correlation of space debris, and verified the full-link space-based data application system. Space debris detection, identification, orbit determination, correlation and applications. At present, the payload has been running stably in orbit for more than 9 months.
China's Space Program News Thread
- Thread starter crazyinsane105
- Start date
- Status
No...they attached a special payload to the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft (prior to launch) that is currently docked to China's space station. They can then test out this sensor and see how it's doing and use the station for power, control and datalink. The US (and others) have done this using ISS, you basically get a free GNC and power system by using the existing station and can test new sensors quickly and affordably without launching a stand-alone satellite. Also one of the purposes for the X-37 spaceplane but that's another topic...
Now that they have good results, they can take this same sensor or technology and package into a stand-alone satellite or add it to other satellites and use for tracking small or dark objects in orbit. Things like or are certainly out there...
Chinese Space Station, and International Space Station...
Not a fair comparison ISS is almost 25 years old and built on late 90s tech
Tidiness has nothing to do with age of the house. A 19th century imperial palace is still much more orderly than a 21st century teenager's room.
It has more to do with cable management and effects, Both pictures seems to have blue and brown filters added respectively for a dramatic effect.
Inside of ISS module shortly after launch
Yes as said before, that's not a fair comparison. Yes the Chinese space station could be less messy because wires are routed better, but not to the degree shown there. That picture was taken before the first set of crews even got on board. If you watched the more recent videos it's already gotten messier.
Ah, the BBC strategy.
Can't help it, Priorities are to conduct experiments and keep the occupants alive not to look pretty
- Status