Beijing, China:
President Xi Jinping on Wednesday lauded the work of 3 astronauts constructing China’s initial space station as opening “new horizons” in humanity’s bid to discover the cosmos.
The trio blasted off on a Long March-2F rocket from northwest China’s Gobi desert last Thursday, docking about seven hours later at the Tiangong space station, exactly where they will invest the next 3 months.
The launch of China’s initial crewed mission in almost 5 years is a matter of big prestige as Beijing prepares to mark the 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party on July 1 with a huge propaganda campaign.
“Building a space station is an important milestone for the spaceflight cause,” Xi stated from the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, speaking to the astronauts through video hyperlink.
“This will be a contribution that opens new horizons for humanity’s peaceful use of space. You are the representatives of countless fighters in the new era of China’s spaceflight cause,” he added in the televised chat.
To prepare, the crew did more than 6,000 hours of education, such as performing hundreds of underwater somersaults in complete space gear.
Xi asked the astronauts about their wellness and working circumstances, adding that they have been in the hearts of the Chinese individuals.
First-time astronaut Tang Hongbo stated that he had adapted to the zero-gravity atmosphere.
“Food and drink, health and work conditions are all good,” he stated. “We have had video calls with family. Our home in space is very warm and comfortable.”
The mission’s commander is Nie Haisheng, a decorated air force pilot in the People’s Liberation Army who has currently participated in two space missions.
The two other members are also from the military.
“Having taken part in two spaceflight missions, I felt that this time, the mission is even greater and it is the highest honour,” stated astronaut Liu Boming.
“We will carry out two (spacewalks) and … a series of technological equipment testing.”
The Chinese space agency is preparing a total of 11 launches via to the finish of next year, such as 3 more crewed missions that will provide two lab modules to expand the 70-tonne station, along with supplies and crew members.
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