China's Space Program News Thread

[escobar]

In-orbit Assembly Mission of Space Solar Station :

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[siegecrossbow]

They do, to generate electricity. To generate thrust, you still need a propellant, until EM drives become a reality anyway

If you have an ion-drive all you need are electricity and a very limited amount of reaction mass.

 

[delft]

The US Space shuttle was quite a success given that without it the ISS would not have been built. The program just got caught in the cost of everything rising plus a bureaucratic NASA and budget restraint brought it to an end.

More like the other way round. Because launching each pound launched with the Shuttle ( remember NASA then still used Roman Imperial measurement ) was two orders of magnitude more expensive than originally envisioned, due to "savings" in the development program, the ISS was the only project fiscally feasible especially because many other countries contributed to its costs.

 

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In-orbit refueling test proves a success

Tianyuan 1 has conducted nine in-orbit tests including the control and refilling of liquid in microgravity and accurate measurement of propellant, according to the National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, Hunan province, which developed the system.

The spacecraft recorded video and data when it filled three types of propellant tanks. The results of these tests showed Tianyuan 1 has met designers' requirements, the university said, adding that the system features a high level of automation and stability.

Refueling with 60 kilograms of fuel can prolong a satellite's service by about 12 months, generating nearly 100 million yuan ($15 million) in revenue, the university said. "One of the major factors that determines a satellite's life span is the fuel it carries and when it is used. Many satellites were abandoned because their fuel was burned out even though their equipment could still function well," Wu said on Sunday.

"Therefore, in-orbit refueling technology is needed to enable satellites, spacecraft and space stations to work longer. This technology will also allow us to increase the operational range of space probes, helping to realize manned missions to Mars or asteroids."

Wang Ya'nan, editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said China operates about 140 satellites in space, so it will benefit greatly once it uses in-orbit refueling technology to service its space assets. The recent tests performed by Tianyuan 1 will pave the way for large-scale resupply and refueling for China's future manned space station, he added

 

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LEO Space Debris Removal Task Analysis and Development Proposals :

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A Biomimetic Approach For Active Debris Removal :

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Construction of the world's largest telescope, the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope(FAST), has been completed as the last reflector panel was hoisted onto the frame. The project's builder, the Wuchuang Shipbuilding Industry Group, used its unique air transfer and flexible hoisting plan to accelerate the project progress.

"FAST has 4,450 triangular panels. Any damage was not allowed during the hoisting process. At the site, our company has conducted accurate installation for every panel, and we have improved the technology of air transfer and positioning. We have installed these 4,450 panels accurately on over 2,000 spherical fulcrums. From research and development to production, It took us over two years to complete the mission the National Astronomical Observatories of China gave us," said Wang Weiling, deputy director of the Wuchuang Shipbuilding Industry Group.

Reflector panel is the core device that decides the telescope's radar coverage and detection precision. With a side length of 10 to 12 meters, each reflector panel is composed of 100 triangles and is made to millimeter level fabrication precision.

"Sitting on such a special location, limited wind speed is tested only 14 meters per second in the telescope's surrounding area. We can see that there are lots of holes on the reflector panels so they can reduce over 50 percent of wind. These holes can enable rainwater to permeate and will reduce aerodynamic drag. It has another advantage that it can make the sun shine through it, so the plants can grow as before. It's very eco-friendly," said Zheng Yuanpeng, chief designer of the reflector panel.

 

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More like the other way round. Because launching each pound launched with the Shuttle ( remember NASA then still used Roman Imperial measurement ) was two orders of magnitude more expensive than originally envisioned, due to "savings" in the development program, the ISS was the only project fiscally feasible especially because many other countries contributed to its costs.

Yeah but whose space shuttle contribute it into space and assemble it together?

 

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Soon we will find where those Vulcan's live.

 

[delft]

Yeah but whose space shuttle contribute it into space and assemble it together?

Launching would have been cheaper by conventional rocket and assembly could have been automated.

 

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Launching would have been cheaper by conventional rocket and assembly could have been automated.

I don't think there were any conventional rockets big enough to handle the pay load and crew to help assemble it such as the space shuttle itself.