The second lightning diversion tower for the Long March 10 launchpad is coming along (top left in the image).
China's Space Program Thread II
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Well apparently we were all wrong, when it comes to the issue of the SZ-20 return. According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the SZ-20 crew will return aboard the SZ-21 capsule, with the SZ-22 launching at a later date/time. I'm curious as to what they're going to try to do with the SZ-20 capsule, are they going to try to repair/diagnose the issue further or something? Also what does this say as to the extent of the damage done, with the space debris. Another question is, did they believe the damage was too severe to allow for the return.
Interesting, that could produce a risk to the SZ21 crew, they would need to rely on SZ20 in case of of a emergency until SZ22 is sent up.
It means they trust SZ20 enough to use it to return from the station if there's an emergency situation, but would like to avoid the risk if they can help it.
Shenzhou can only carry 3 crew back to earth, so between a situation where SZ-20 crew return on SZ-21 and SZ-21 crew stays with damaged SZ-20 until SZ-22 is launched empty and another where both SZ-20 & 21 crew stay with SZ-21 and damaged SZ-20 capsules until SZ-22 is launched, the later isn't safer, in fact it's likely slighly more dangerous since more crews = more risks during emergencies.
Anyway the question is now when does SZ-22 launch, the launcher hasn't been transfered from VAB to Pad yet as far as I know, so it won't launch until next week at the earliest (if SZ-20 can be used as a lifeboat, there is likely no urgency to do a "fast" launch campaign of 8.5 days and they may do a normal one of closer to 16-17 days)
Xinhua News Agency flash: After comprehensive assessment, the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft's return capsule window glass has developed fine cracks, most likely caused by external impact from space debris. It does not meet the release conditions for a safe manned return and will continue to remain in orbit for related tests.
Sounds like this confirms they'll launch SZ-22 uncrewed to replace it
