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Shenzhou (spacecraft)

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Not to be confused with Shensuo or Shenzhou City.

Shenzhou
A Shenzhou spacecraft undergoing ground testing without solar panels
ManufacturerChina Academy of Space Technology
Country of origin China
OperatorChina Manned Space Agency
ApplicationsCrewed spaceflight
Specifications
Launch mass8,100 kg (17,900 lb)[1]
Crew capacity3
Dimensions9.25 m × 2.8 m (30.3 ft × 9.2 ft)
VolumeTotal: 14.8 m3 (520 cu ft)[1]
Habitable: 7 m3 (250 cu ft)
RegimeLow Earth
Design lifeUp to 183 days (docked at the Tiangong space station)
Production
StatusIn service
On order0
Built19
Launched19
Operational1
Maiden launch

Shenzhou (Chinese: 神舟; pinyin: Shénzhōu, /ˈʃɛnˈdʒoʊ/;[2] see § Etymology) is a Chinese spacecraft developed for the nation's crewed space program. Its design was based on Russia's Soyuz, but larger and modernized, Shenzhou is a single-use vehicle composed of three modules. The descent module houses the crew during launch and reentry. The orbital module provides additional living space and storage during orbit but is jettisoned before reentry. The service module, responsible for propulsion and power, is also discarded prior to reentry. For added safety and aerodynamics, the spacecraft is encased within a fairing with a launch escape system during liftoff.

Its maiden uncrewed flight, Shenzhou 1, was on 19 November 1999, with the first crewed mission, Shenzhou 5, taking flight on 15 October 2003. It is slated for replacement by the next-generation Mengzhou, currently in development, with a two module configuration.

Etymology

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The literal meaning of the native name 神舟 (p: Shénzhōu; /ˈʃɛnˈdʒoʊ/[2]) is "the Divine vessel [on the Heavenly River]", to which Heavenly River (天河) means the Milky Way in Classical Chinese.[3] 神舟 is a pun and neologism that plays on the poetic word referring to China, 神州,[3] meaning Divine realm,[4] which bears the same pronunciation. For further information, refer to Chinese theology, Chinese astronomy and names of China.

History

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Main article: Shenzhou program

China's first efforts at human spaceflight started in 1968 with a projected launch date of 1973.[5] Although China successfully launched an uncrewed satellite in 1970, its crewed spacecraft program was cancelled in 1980 due to a lack of funds.[6]

The Chinese crewed spacecraft program was relaunched in 1992 with Project 921. The Phase One spacecraft followed the general layout of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, with three modules that could separate for reentry. China signed a deal with Russia in 1995 for the transfer of Soyuz technology, including life support and docking systems. The Phase One spacecraft was then modified with the new Russian technology.[6] The general designer of Shenzhou-1 through Shenzhou-5 was Qi Faren ((Chinese: 戚发轫), 26 April 1933), and from Shenzhou-6 on, the general design was turned over to Zhang Bainan ((Chinese: 张柏楠), 23 June 1962).[citation needed]

The first uncrewed flight of the spacecraft was launched on 19 November 1999, after which Project 921/1 was renamed Shenzhou, a name reportedly chosen by Jiang Zemin.[citation needed] A series of three additional uncrewed flights were carried out. The first crewed launch took place on 15 October 2003 with the Shenzhou 5 mission. The spacecraft has since become the mainstay of the Chinese crewed space program, being used for both crewed and uncrewed missions.

Design

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Diagram of the post-Shenzhou 7 spacecraft
Currently operational crewed spacecraft (at least orbital class)

Shenzhou consists of three modules: a forward orbital module (Chinese: 轨道舱); pinyin: Guǐdào cāng), a reentry module (Chinese: 返回舱); pinyin: Fǎnhuí cāng) in the middle, and an aft service module (Chinese: 推进舱); pinyin: Tuījìn cāng). 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, increasing the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand reentry.

Complete spacecraft
Mass 7,840 kg (17,280 lb)
Length 9.25 m (30 ft 4 in)
Diameter 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Span 17 m (55 ft 9 in)

Orbital module

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Shenzhou 5's reentry module

The orbital module (Chinese: 轨道舱); pinyin: Guǐdào cāng) contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or crew-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 Chinese spacecraft docking mechanism (beginning with Shenzhou 8) is based on the Androgynous Peripheral Attach System (APAS).[7]

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 is possible for Shenzhou to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking with a later spacecraft, a capability which Soyuz does not possess, since the only hatch between the orbital and reentry modules is a part of the reentry module, and orbital module is depressurized after separation. For future missions, the orbital module(s) could also be left behind on the planned Chinese project 921/2 space station as additional station modules.

In the uncrewed test flights launched, 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
Design life 200 days
Length 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Diameter 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in)
Span 10.4 m (34 ft 1 in)
Habitable volume 8 m3 (280 cu ft)
Mass 1,500 kg (3,300 lb)
RCS (coarse) 16 × 5 N (1.1 lbf)
RCS propellant Hydrazine
Electrical system Solar panels, 12.24 m2 (131.8 sq ft)
Power 0.50 kW (avg.)

Reentry module

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Shenzhou 14 spacecraft undergoing tests prior to launch

The reentry module (Chinese: 返回舱); pinyin: Fǎnhuí cāng) 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 and allowing for some aerodynamic control upon reentry.

Reentry Module
Crew capacity 3
Design life 20 days (original)
Length 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Diameter 2.52 m (8 ft 3 in)
Mass 3,240 kg (7,140 lb)
Heat shield mass 450 kg (990 lb)
Lift-to-drag-ratio 0.30 (hypersonic)
RCS (coarse) 8 × 150 N (34 lbf)
RCS propellant Hydrazine


Service module

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Launch of Shenzhou 13 on a Long March 2F rocket

The aft service module (Chinese: 推进舱); pinyin: Tuījìn cāng) contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of Shenzhou. Two pairs of solar panels, one pair on the service module and the other pair on the orbital module, have a total area of over 40 square metres (430 sq ft), indicating average electrical power over 1.5 kW (Soyuz have 1.0 kW).

Service Module
Design life 20 days (original)
Length 2.94 m (9 ft 8 in)
Basic diameter 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Maximum diameter 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Span 17 m (55 ft 9 in)
Mass 3,000 kg (6,600 lb)
RCS (coarse) 8 × 150 N (34 lbf)
RCS (coarse) 16 × 5 N (1.1 lbf)
Main engine thrust 10 kN (2,200 lbf)
Main engine
specific impulse 		290 s (2.8 km/s)
Propellant N2O4/MMH
Propellant mass 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
Electrical system Solar panels, 36.72 m2 (395.3 sq ft)
Power 1.50 kW (avg.)

Comparison with Soyuz

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Although the Shenzhou spacecraft follows the same layout as the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, it is approximately 10% larger and heavier than Soyuz. It also has a bigger cylindrical orbital module and four propulsion engines. There is enough room to carry an inflatable raft in case of a splashdown, whereas Soyuz cosmonauts must jump into the water and swim. The commander sits in the center seat on both spacecraft. However, the pilot sits in the left seat on Shenzhou and the right seat on Soyuz.[8]

Launch records

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The records information is all from Gunter's space page.[9] All times are in Coordinated Universal Time.

Number Launch Landing Crew Flight duration Orbits Launch location Outcome
Shenzhou 1 19 November 1999, 22:30 20 November 1999, 19:41 — 21 hours, 11 minutes 14 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 2 9 January 2001, 17:00 16 January 2001, 11:22 — 6 days, 18 hours, 22 minutes 108 Jiuquan, LA-4 Partial failure[a]
Shenzhou 3 25 March 2002, 14:15 1 April 2002, 08:51 — 6 days, 18 hours, 51 minutes 108 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 4 29 December 2002, 16:40 5 January 2003, 11:16 — 6 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes 108 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 5 15 October 2003, 01:00 15 October 2003, 22:22 Yang Liwei 21 hours, 22 minutes, 14 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 6 12 October 2005, 01:00 16 October 2005, 20:33
4 days, 19 hours, 33 minutes 77 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 7 25 September 2008, 13:10 28 September 2008, 09:37
2 days, 20 hours, 27 minutes 45 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 8 31 October 2011, 21:58 17 November 2011, 11:32 — 17 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes 249 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 9 16 June 2012, 10:37 29 June 2012, 02:01
12 days, 15 hours, 24 minutes 198 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 10 11 June 2013, 09:38 26 June 2013, 00:07
14 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes 229 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 11 16 October 2016, 23:30 18 November 2016, 05:59
32 days, 6 hours, 29 minutes 507 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 12 17 June 2021, 01:22 17 September 2021, 05:34
92 days, 4 hours, 11 minutes 1,454 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 13 15 October 2021, 16:23 16 April 2022, 01:56
182 days, 9 hours, 32 minutes 2,885 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 14 5 June 2022, 02:44 4 December 2022, 12:09
182 days, 9 hours, 25 minutes 2,885 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 15 29 November 2022, 15:08 3 June 2023, 22:33
186 days, 7 hours, 25 minutes 2,931 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 16 30 May 2023, 09:31 31 October 2023, 00:12
153 days, 22 hours and 41 minutes 2,429 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 17 26 October 2023, 03:14 30 April 2024, 09:46
187 days, 6 hours and 32 minutes 2,943 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 18 25 April 2024, 12:59 3 November 2024, 17:24
192 days, 4 hours and 25 minutes 3041 Jiuquan, LA-4 Success
Shenzhou 19 29 October 2024, 20:27 April 2025
180 days (planned) Currently in orbit Jiuquan, LA-4 Docked at Tiangong
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  • The Shenzhou was prominently featured in the film Gravity and was used by the main character, STS-157 Mission Specialist Dr. Ryan Stone, to safely return home after the destruction of her spacecraft.[10][11]
  • In Star Trek: Discovery, the Walker class starship USS Shenzhou is named after this spacecraft.[12]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Unlike other Shenzhou missions, China has never publicly released images of the Shenzhou 2 return module. In 2017, Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut and subsequent head of China's space agency, disclosed that the spacecraft experienced a parachute failure during reentry, resulting in a hard landing. Some of the cargo was damaged by fire, and the fate of the animals on board remains unknown.

References

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  1. ^ a b 朱光辰 (2022). "我国载人航天器总体构型技术发展". 航天器工程. 第31卷 (第6期): 47.
  2. ^ a b "Shenzhou pronunciation". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  3. ^ a b 樊永强 (23 September 2008). "中国载人航天飞船为何命名"神舟"号？". Xinhua News. Archived from the original on 27 September 2008.
  4. ^ Hughes, April D. (2021). Worldly Saviors and Imperial Authority in Medieval Chinese Buddhism. University of Hawaii Press. p. 103. Attesting Illumination states that two saviors will manifest in the Divine Realm (shenzhou 神州; i.e. China) 799 years after Śākyamuni Buddha's nirvāṇa.
  5. ^ Mark Wade (2009). "Shuguang 1". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 14 July 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2009.
  6. ^ a b "China and the Second Space Age" (PDF). Futron Corporation. 15 October 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  7. ^ John Cook; Valery Aksamentov; Thomas Hoffman; Wes Bruner (1 January 2011). "ISS Interface Mechanisms and their Heritage" (PDF). NTRS. Houston, Texas: Boeing. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  8. ^ Hollingham, Richard (27 June 2018). "Why Europe's astronauts are learning Chinese". BBC Future. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019.
  9. ^ "Shenzhou Flight History". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  10. ^ Kramer, Miriam (6 October 2013). "The Spaceships of 'Gravity': A Spacecraft Movie Guide for Astronauts". Yahoo. SPACE.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  11. ^ Lyons, Lauren (19 October 2013). ""Gravity", China and the end of American Exceptionalism in outer space". Spaceflight Insider. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Shenzhou NCC-1227, U.S.S." Star Trek. CBS Entertainment. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2020.

Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shenzhou.
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