LIVE: Shenzhou-11 Mission Coverage - October/November, 2016

[beidou]

Currently this is no official information on this launch yet. Based on various earlier Chinese media reports: Shenzhou 11 will be docked to Tiangong-2 space module, which is expected to be launched in 2015; so there could be a gap of several years for the next Shenzhou mission.

It's also not clear if Shenzhou 11 will be a manned mission or not and it should be dependent on the progress of Shenzhou 10 (docking to Tiangong-1).

[Phillip Clark]

I am sure that the original plan was for Tiangong 1 to host three Shenzhou missions, the first being unmanned.   Then Tiangong 2 (original version) and Tiangong 3 would each receive three Shenzhou craft, all manned.

With the original Tiangong 2 being deleted from the plans and the Salyut 6/7 class Tiangong 3 now being #2, I wonder if we will see the next Tiangong hosting more missions than the original three?   Maybe 4-5?

[Satori]

I am sure that the original plan was for Tiangong 1 to host three Shenzhou missions, the first being unmanned.   Then Tiangong 2 (original version) and Tiangong 3 would each receive three Shenzhou craft, all manned.

With the original Tiangong 2 being deleted from the plans and the Salyut 6/7 class Tiangong 3 now being #2, I wonder if we will see the next Tiangong hosting more missions than the original three?   Maybe 4-5?

I also believe in that. Being launched at the end of 2015, doesn't make much sense only to launch two missions.

There will be much to test with TG-2: the new cargo module, refueling in orbit, maybe EVA from the station, etc. I bet in more than 5/6 missions  to TG-2.

[beidou]

I am sure that the original plan was for Tiangong 1 to host three Shenzhou missions, the first being unmanned.   Then Tiangong 2 (original version) and Tiangong 3 would each receive three Shenzhou craft, all manned.

With the original Tiangong 2 being deleted from the plans and the Salyut 6/7 class Tiangong 3 now being #2, I wonder if we will see the next Tiangong hosting more missions than the original three?   Maybe 4-5?

I also believe in that. Being launched at the end of 2015, doesn't make much sense only to launch two missions.

There will be much to test with TG-2: the new cargo module, refueling in orbit, maybe EVA from the station, etc. I bet in more than 5/6 missions  to TG-2.

Then that will be lots of launches in the time frame 2015-2018, may be two launches each year?

[beidou]

"Chinese Space Station Project Overall Vision", an article written by the director of China manned space program office.

Unfortunately, it was in Chinese; it will be much helpful if any Chinese reader here could translate it into English

[heinkel174]

"Envision Chinese Space Station Project", an article written by the director of China manned space program office.

Unfortunately, it was in Chinese; it will be much helpful if any Chinese reader here could translate it into English

Isn't this already posted in the modular station thread?

Anyway, just trying to highlight some interesting notes:

1. Baseline configuration of the station consists three modules: the core/node module, research module one and two. Maximum (optional) configuration will see the addition of another service module (might be a rebuilt of the core module backup), two more research modules and some additional solar panels, exposed facilities & trusses. Baseline to be completed before 2022.

2. The nodal module will act as the airlock during the initial construction of the station, later it will serve as the backup airlock. The primary airlock is located in research module I. This is basically same as MIR.

3. The unpressurised section in research module II houses an infrared survey telescope.

4. Confirmed use of electric ion thrusters to maintain the station’s orbit.

5. One small and one large robotic arm. The large one is presumably the Chinese Canadarm 2. Not sure if the small one is more Lyappa or Dextre-like.
 
6. Next generation of Feitian suit. Support an EVA capacity comparable to that on ISS.

7. Power supply: 100V DC, triple-junction GaAs solar array with 30+% efficiency, lithium batteries. Did not mention maximum power.

8. Cargo ship: 6500kg upmass, 6000kg download mass (for disposal). Modular design of pressurized, semi-pressurised and unpressurised sections (similar to HTV). Capable to work as a tug and transport a small module up to 5000kg and 3×4.5m.

Everything else is already known (sort of) if you follow the Chinese program closely.

[heinkel174]

Some corrections. Just went through the article again and a Lyappa-like device is discussed seperately so I assume the small robitic arm refers to something else.

Could be a Chinese Dextre or simply a smaller version of the big arm.

[JT355]

Currently this is no official information on this launch yet. Based on various earlier Chinese media reports: Shenzhou 11 will be docked to Tiangong-2 space module, which is expected to be launched in 2015; so there could be a gap of several years for the next Shenzhou mission.

It's also not clear if Shenzhou 11 will be a manned mission or not and it should be dependent on the progress of Shenzhou 10 (docking to Tiangong-1).

You is kidding right? We got to wait 2 to 2.5 years for the next manned mission? That can't be right. So we left with just the moon rover missions to keep us interested until then? Nah, I think they must have Tiangong 2 ready for launch next year followed very quickly by SZ-11 else they risk losing the momentum.

Edit: to add I mean Tiangong 2 to be the existing replica of TG-1 which some people say has been scrapped. CHina wouldn't scrap something like that in the same way they slighlty modded Chnag'e 2 which was the backup for CHang'e 1. We are going to get a slightly modded TG-2. TG-3 is coming later in 2015 but that gives us 2 years to fool around with TG-2 first. COunt on it.

[Phillip Clark]

After following the Chinese space programme since the launch of Dongfanghong in 1970, I have learned that the Chinese have their own schedules which take no account of western expectations.   Their programme has always progressed very slowly, and we are seeing the same in the piloted programme.

[beidou]

An updated version of the Chinese article is re-attached.

[Phillip Clark]

An updated version of the Chinese article is re-attached.

Is it?

[Stan Black]

An updated version of the Chinese article is re-attached.

Is it?

See above

[Dalhousie]

After following the Chinese space programme since the launch of Dongfanghong in 1970, I have learned that the Chinese have their own schedules which take no account of western expectations.   Their programme have always progresses very slowly, and we are seeing the same in the piloted programme.

The rate of progress is comparable to the US and USSR in the 60s, it's just they take fewer missions to do it, which makes it seem slower.

[tonyq]

Currently this is no official information on this launch yet. Based on various earlier Chinese media reports: Shenzhou 11 will be docked to Tiangong-2 space module, which is expected to be launched in 2015; so there could be a gap of several years for the next Shenzhou mission.

It's also not clear if Shenzhou 11 will be a manned mission or not and it should be dependent on the progress of Shenzhou 10 (docking to Tiangong-1).

You is kidding right? We got to wait 2 to 2.5 years for the next manned mission? That can't be right. So we left with just the moon rover missions to keep us interested until then? Nah, I think they must have Tiangong 2 ready for launch next year followed very quickly by SZ-11 else they risk losing the momentum.

Edit: to add I mean Tiangong 2 to be the existing replica of TG-1 which some people say has been scrapped. CHina wouldn't scrap something like that in the same way they slighlty modded Chnag'e 2 which was the backup for CHang'e 1. We are going to get a slightly modded TG-2. TG-3 is coming later in 2015 but that gives us 2 years to fool around with TG-2 first. COunt on it.

Do you think that the Chinese are running this programme purely for your entertainment and amusement? There was a 3 year break between SZ-6 and SZ-7, and a near 4 year break between SZ-7 and SZ-9, albeit with TG-1 and SZ-8 slotted into the gap. They run the programme at their own pace, to meet their own techical objectives and milestones. A two year hiatus now, will be par for the course.

There is still a good deal of uncertainty about exactly how the 'new' TG-2 and the accompanying missions (both manned and cargo) will pan out, but I'll confidently predict that virtually everything in your 'edit' will turn out to be completely incorrect!

[Stan Black]

Could Shenzhou-11 already exist, or at least parts, as a back up for Shenzhou-10?

[beidou]

Could Shenzhou-11 already exist, or at least parts, as a back up for Shenzhou-10?

I think so.

[TALsite]

Do you think that the Chinese are running this programme purely for your entertainment and amusement? There was a 3 year break between SZ-6 and SZ-7, and a near 4 year break between SZ-7 and SZ-9, albeit with TG-1 and SZ-8 slotted into the gap. They run the programme at their own pace, to meet their own techical objectives and milestones. A two year hiatus now, will be par for the course.

I agree with tonyq, Chinese are not here for our entertainment.

But, maybe they can consider to fly Shenzhou-11 as a solo mission, in order to maintain proficiency on their technicians, and also maintaining their cosmonauts training and flying on 2014. 
Objectives for SZ11 could be an ambitious EVA mission (at least 2-3 hours) with two of the three cosmonauts exiting, testing Feitian suit, performing movements between modules, samples collection, use of dedicated tools...

Thoughts?

[Satori]

Do you think that the Chinese are running this programme purely for your entertainment and amusement? There was a 3 year break between SZ-6 and SZ-7, and a near 4 year break between SZ-7 and SZ-9, albeit with TG-1 and SZ-8 slotted into the gap. They run the programme at their own pace, to meet their own techical objectives and milestones. A two year hiatus now, will be par for the course.

I agree with tonyq, Chinese are not here for our entertainment.

But, maybe they can consider to fly Shenzhou-11 as a solo mission, in order to maintain proficiency on their technicians, and also maintaining their cosmonauts training and flying on 2014. 
Objectives for SZ11 could be an ambitious EVA mission (at least 2-3 hours) with two of the three cosmonauts exiting, testing Feitian suit, performing movements between modules, samples collection, use of dedicated tools...

Thoughts?

There was never any indication such mission could happen and Chinese specialists already said that SZ-11 will dock with TG-2.

[baldusi]

Are they going to demonstrate how to build a modular space station without EVA? Or will the 2015/20 phase work specifically on EVA experience? Just a thought.

[Dalhousie]

Are they going to demonstrate how to build a modular space station without EVA? Or will the 2015/20 phase work specifically on EVA experience? Just a thought.

Mir was assembled without EVA. The larges Chinese station appears to use the same approach.