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The Shenzhou spacecraft resembles the [[Soyuz spacecraft|Soyuz]], although it is longer, with a larger habitable volume. It features a powered service module like the Soyuz, and prior to Shenzhou 8 its orbital module was capable of autonomous flight.
The Shenzhou spacecraft resembles the [[Soyuz spacecraft|Soyuz]], although it is longer, with a larger habitable volume. It features a powered service module like the Soyuz, and prior to Shenzhou 8 its orbital module was capable of autonomous flight.


The similarity in outward appearance between Shenzhou and Soyuz arises partially from basic constraints on space flight.<ref name="comparison">{{cite web | url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/spacecraft_manned_salyut.html|title=Russian capabilities circa 1970&nbsp;– as a comparison to current Chinese space capabilities|accessdate=30 June 2007}}</ref> Like Soyuz, Shenzhou consists of three modules: a forward [[orbital module]] (轨道舱), a [[reentry module]] (返回舱) in the middle, and an aft [[service module]] (推进舱). This division is based on the principle of minimizing the amount of material to be returned to Earth. Anything placed in the orbital or service modules does not require [[heat shield]]ing, and this increases the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand [[Atmospheric reentry|reentry]]. Thus both Soyuz and Shenzhou have more living area with less weight than the [[Apollo Command/Service Module|Apollo CSM]].
The similarity in outward appearance between Shenzhou and Soyuz arises partially from basic constraints on space flight.{{citation needed}} Like Soyuz, Shenzhou consists of three modules: a forward [[orbital module]] (轨道舱), a [[reentry module]] (返回舱) in the middle, and an aft [[service module]] (推进舱). This division is based on the principle of minimizing the amount of material to be returned to Earth. Anything placed in the orbital or service modules does not require [[heat shield]]ing, and this increases the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand [[Atmospheric reentry|reentry]]. Thus both Soyuz and Shenzhou have more living area with less weight than the [[Apollo Command/Service Module|Apollo CSM]].


; Complete spacecraft data
; Complete spacecraft data
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The [[orbital module]] (轨道舱) contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or operated equipment, and in-orbit habitation. Without [[docking]] systems, Shenzhou 1–6 carried different kinds of payload on the top of their orbital modules for scientific experiments.
The [[orbital module]] (轨道舱) contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or operated equipment, and in-orbit habitation. Without [[docking]] systems, Shenzhou 1–6 carried different kinds of payload on the top of their orbital modules for scientific experiments.


Up until Shenzhou 8, the orbital module of the Shenzhou was equipped with its own [[Spacecraft propulsion|propulsion]], [[Solar panels on spacecraft|solar power]], and [[Flight dynamics (spacecraft)|control]] [[Robotic spacecraft|systems]], allowing autonomous flight. It was possible for Shenzhou to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking by a later spacecraft, something which the Soyuz cannot do since the hatch enabling it to function as an airlock is part of its reentry module. In the future it is possible that the orbital module(s) could also be left behind on the planned Chinese [[project 921/2]] [[space station]] as additional station modules. The fact that China has yet to deploy a space station implies an equivalent stage of progress to Russia pre-1970.<ref name="comparison" />
Up until Shenzhou 8, the orbital module of the Shenzhou was equipped with its own [[Spacecraft propulsion|propulsion]], [[Solar panels on spacecraft|solar power]], and [[Flight dynamics (spacecraft)|control]] [[Robotic spacecraft|systems]], allowing autonomous flight. It was possible for Shenzhou to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking by a later spacecraft, something which the Soyuz cannot do since the hatch enabling it to function as an airlock is part of its reentry module. In the future it is possible that the orbital module(s) could also be left behind on the planned Chinese [[project 921/2]] [[space station]] as additional station modules.


In the unmanned test flights launched to date, the orbital module of each Shenzhou was left functioning on orbit for several days after the reentry modules return, and the [[Shenzhou 5]] orbital module continued to operate for six months after launch.
In the unmanned test flights launched to date, the orbital module of each Shenzhou was left functioning on orbit for several days after the reentry modules return, and the [[Shenzhou 5]] orbital module continued to operate for six months after launch.

Revision as of 18:07, 29 September 2011

Shenzhou spacecraft
Description: Diagram of the post-Shenzhou 7 spacecraft
Country:  China
Role: Low-earth orbit Manned spacecraft
Crew: Three
Derived from: Soyuz
Status: In-service
First flight: Shenzhou 1, 1999
Dimensions
Height: 9.25 m 30.34 ft
Diameter: 2.8 m 9.10 ft
Volume: 14.00 m³ 494.4 ft³
Rocket engines
Main Engine (N2O4/MMH) : 10000 N 2248 lbf ea
Performance
Endurance: 20 days[citation needed]
Apogee: 324 km 201 mi
Perigee: 196 km 121.8 mi
Inclination: 42.5 degrees
Delta V: 380 m/s 1,240 ft/s
Modules

Shenzhou (Chinese: 神舟; pinyin: Shén Zhōu) is a spacecraft developed and operated by the People's Republic of China to support its manned spaceflight program. The name is variously translated as "Divine Craft," "Divine Vessel of the Gods," "Magic Boat" or similar and is also homophonous with an ancient name for China (written 神州; meaning "Divine Province").[citation needed] Its design resembles the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, but it is larger in size and all-new in construction. The first launch was on November 19, 1999 and the first manned launch was on October 15, 2003. In March 2005, an asteroid was named 8256 Shenzhou in honor of the spacecraft.

History

Main article: Shenzhou program

China's first efforts at human spaceflight started in 1968 with a projected launch date of 1973.[1] Although China launched an unmanned satellite in 1970 and has maintained an active unmanned program since, this attempt was canceled due to lack of funds and political interest.

The first four unmanned test flights happened in 1999, 2001, and 2002. These were followed by manned launches on October 15, 2003, October 12, 2005, and September 25, 2008. It would be[clarification needed] launched on the Long March 2F from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The command center for missions is the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center.[citation needed]

The first unmanned flight of the spacecraft was launched on November 19, 1999 after which Project 921/1 was renamed Shenzhou, a name reportedly chosen by Jiang Zemin. A series of three additional unmanned flights ensued. The Shenzhou reentry modules used to date are 13 percent larger than Soyuz reentry modules,[citation needed] and it is expected that later crafts will be designed to carry a crew of four instead of Soyuz's three, although physical limitations on astronaut size, as experienced with earlier incarnations of Soyuz, will likely apply.

The fifth launch, Shenzhou 5, was the first to carry a human (Yang Liwei) and occurred at 9:00 CST (UTC +8) on October 15, 2003.[citation needed]

Missions launched

File:Long March 2F Carrier Rocket - Shenzhou 5.JPG
Launch of Shenzhou 5 in 2003

Planned missions

This is similar to the process used by the Soviet Union in their early Soyuz program which was intended to test procedures for future lunar flights.[citation needed]

Design

The Shenzhou spacecraft resembles the Soyuz, although it is longer, with a larger habitable volume. It features a powered service module like the Soyuz, and prior to Shenzhou 8 its orbital module was capable of autonomous flight.

The similarity in outward appearance between Shenzhou and Soyuz arises partially from basic constraints on space flight.[citation needed] Like Soyuz, Shenzhou consists of three modules: a forward orbital module (轨道舱), a reentry module (返回舱) in the middle, and an aft service module (推进舱). This division is based on the principle of minimizing the amount of material to be returned to Earth. Anything placed in the orbital or service modules does not require heat shielding, and this increases the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand reentry. Thus both Soyuz and Shenzhou have more living area with less weight than the Apollo CSM.

Complete spacecraft data
Total mass: 7,840 kg
Length: 9.25 m
Diameter: 2.80 m
Span: 17.00 m

Orbital module

Shenzhou's Orbital Module prior to S8

The orbital module (轨道舱) contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or operated equipment, and in-orbit habitation. Without docking systems, Shenzhou 1–6 carried different kinds of payload on the top of their orbital modules for scientific experiments.

Up until Shenzhou 8, the orbital module of the Shenzhou was equipped with its own propulsion, solar power, and control systems, allowing autonomous flight. It was possible for Shenzhou to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking by a later spacecraft, something which the Soyuz cannot do since the hatch enabling it to function as an airlock is part of its reentry module. In the future it is possible that the orbital module(s) could also be left behind on the planned Chinese project 921/2 space station as additional station modules.

In the unmanned test flights launched to date, the orbital module of each Shenzhou was left functioning on orbit for several days after the reentry modules return, and the Shenzhou 5 orbital module continued to operate for six months after launch.

Orbital module data
Design life: 200 days.
Length: 2.80 m (9.10 ft).
Basic diameter: 2.25 m (7.38 ft).
Maximum diameter: 2.25 m (7.38 ft).
Span: 10.40 m (34.10 ft).
Habitable volume: 8.00 m³.
Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb).
RCS Coarse No x Thrust: 16 x 5 N.
RCS Propellants: Hydrazine.
Electrical system: Solar panels, 12.24 m².
Electric system: 0.50 average kW.
Electric system: 1.20 kWh.

Reentry module

The reentry module (返回舱) is located in the middle section of the spacecraft and contains seating for the crew. It is the only portion of Shenzhou which returns to Earth's surface. Its shape is a compromise between maximizing living space while allowing for some aerodynamic control upon reentry.

Reentry module data
Crew size: 3.
Design life: 20 days.
Length: 2.50 m (8.20 ft).
Basic diameter: 2.52 m (8.26 ft).
Maximum diameter: 2.52 m (8.26 ft).
Habitable volume: 6.00 m³.
Mass: 3,240 kg (7,140 lb).
Heat shield mass: 450 kg (990 lb)
RCS Coarse No x Thrust: 8 x 150 N.
RCS Propellants: Hydrazine

Service module

The aft service module (推进舱) contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of Shenzhou. Two pairs of solar panels, one pair on the service module, the other pair on the orbital module, have a total area of over 40 m² (430 ft²), indicating average electrical power over 1.5 kW (Soyuz have 1.0 kW).

Service module data
Design life: 20 days.
Length: 2.94 m (9.65 ft).
Basic diameter: 2.50 m (8.20 ft).
Maximum diameter: 2.80 m (9.10 ft).
Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft).
Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb).
RCS Coarse No x Thrust: 8 x 150 N.
RCS Fine No x Thrust: 16 x 5 N.
RCS Propellants: N2O4/MMH, unified system with main engine.
Main engine: 4 x 2500 N.
Main engine thrust: 10.000 kN (2,248 lbf).
Main engine propellants: N2O4/MMH.
Main engine propellants: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).
Main engine Isp: 290 sec. L/D Hypersonic: 0.30.
Electrical system: Solar panels, 24.48 + 12.24 m², 36.72 m² total.
Electric system: 1.00 average kW.
Electric system: 2.40 kWh.

See also

References

  1. ^ Mark Wade (2009). "Shuguang 1". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
  2. ^ "《北京晚报》：探秘"神舟"三号中的"假人"". Retrieved 4 April 2002.
  3. ^ a b c David, Leonard (2011-03-07). "China Details Ambitious Space Station Goals". SPACE.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11. China is ready to carry out a multiphase construction program that leads to a large space station around 2020. As a prelude to building that facility, China is set to loft the Tiangong-1 module this year as a platform to help master key rendezvous and docking technologies. ... 'Shenzhou-8 will be launched in October of this year,' with the two piloted missions to be launched in 2012
  4. ^ "神八2010年首飞 运载火箭将有重大变化(组图)". 凤凰资讯. June 26, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2008.

Further reading

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