China’s space team from Tianhe core cabin were sent on their first mission. In celebration of the 100th Communist Party, two astronauts set up new equipment on China’s third orbital station. The mission was also televised.
China’s new orbital station first spacewalk
The crew has three members, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, and Nie Haisheng. However, only Liu and Tang worked outside the station. The mission was to install cameras and a giant robotic arm. With the help of the new equipment, the team will be able to assemble the rest of the station. As part of the Tiangong program, the mission was finished in about seven hours, while Commander Nie has supervised the operation from inside.
What next?
China’s space team landed onboard the station on June 17 and will stay there for three months. Heavenly Harmony (Tianhe) was sent to space on April 29. As the team landed a space rover on Mars back in May, the country’s intentions are high. The Chinese space agency wants to add two more modules to its third orbital station. The current weight of the spaceship is 70-ton; however, with another 11 launches, their mission will be completed by the end of next year if everything goes according to the plan.
China’s first spacewalk mission
The recent mission marks China’s second spacewalk. Compared to this mission, the first one lasted for 20 minutes as part of the Shenzhou 7 program. Astronaut Zhai Zhigang was the first Chinese member to walk into space with Liu’s help.
Tiangong space station program
The Tiangong program is significant to the Chinese space agency. Beijing was removed from the International Space Station project a long time ago. That’s why the team is very proud of the recent mission and the upcoming plans. So far, it looks like they are going to achieve their goals.