Tianzhou-2 - CZ-7 - Wenchang - May 29, 2021 (12:55 UTC)

[newfrontiers]

[shijiav]

The launcher is the standard 4 booster config?

That config will always be the default for Tianzhou missions. And maybe future Shenzhou flights once the Long March 2F is retired.

Has there been any indication when that retirement might occur?

We don`t know but NET 2025 I'm sure.

[newfrontiers]

[zubenelgenubi]

Launch date May 12 or May 20?

And, is there an estimated time of date for launch, given TH-1's projected orbital parameters?

Cross-posts:

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1381202777649471489

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1381204503278481413

* Launch of Tianhe Core Module/LM-5B on April 29 @ 03:18 UTC
* Launch of Tianzhou 2 logistics S/C/LM-7 on May 12
* Launch of 1st crew mission Shenzhou 12/LM-2F on June 12

Cross post as more detailed:

Here's the Bing translation of the schedule. I corrected some of the spacecraft numbers. Well that was fast, the tweet has now been made private!

Schedule for the construction of our space station:
2021.04.29: CZ-5B Y2 launch core module;
2021.05.20: CZ-7 Y3 launch tianzhou II;
2021.06.10: CZ-2F/G Y12 launches Shenzhou XII
2021.09: Shenzhou XIO returns, CZ-7 Y4 launch tianzhou III;
2021.10: CZ-2F/G Y13 launch shenzhou XIII;
2022.03: Shenzhou XIII returns;
2022.03-04: CZ-7 Y5 Launch Tianzhou IV;
2022.04: Evaluation of critical technology validation of the space station;
2022.05: CZ-2F/G Y14 launch Shenzhou XIV;
2022.05-06: CZ-5B Y3 Launch QuestionIng Laboratory Module;
2022.08-09: CZ-5B Y4 Launch Dream Day Experimental Module;
2022.10: CZ-7 Y6 launch of Tianzhou V;
2022.11: CZ-2F/G Y15 launch Shenzhou XV (will be docked with Shenzhou XIV for 10 days, when the number of people in orbit will reach 6).

[Alter Sachse]

The launch vehicle is not yet at the launch site, I think May 20 is correct.

[Conexion Espacial]

The Long March 7 is already heading to the platform

[Conexion Espacial]

Live now:
Weibo: https://live.media.weibo.com/live/show?id=1022:232050bb7c9f0487b8f75b5b0b49021160082c
Bilibili: https://live.bilibili.com/21765720

[sdsds]

Live now:
[...]
Bilibili: https://live.bilibili.com/21765720

Nice models on display, on the coffee table.

[otter]

China prepares to launch Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/16/c_139949093.htm

[otter]

From 9ifly forum

[Liss]

According to PhilLeafSpace ( https://weibo.com/2645044133/KfJl38gQQ?from=page_1005052645044133_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment ), the launch should occur on May 20 at 01:35:30 BJT (May 19 at 17:35:30 UTC).

[Galactic Penguin SST]

According to PhilLeafSpace ( https://weibo.com/2645044133/KfJl38gQQ?from=page_1005052645044133_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment ), the launch should occur on May 20 at 01:35:30 BJT (May 19 at 17:35:30 UTC).

He said that he calculated the time out using orbital prediction software using Tianhe's current orbit, so the time might be somewhat off (certainly not exact to the second).

Anyway the time is probably not far off.

[SciNews]

<<"'zero window" launches to meet special launch requirements of the space station's rendezvous and docking tasks>>

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Not sure the source of this, but apparently TZ-2 is carrying:

- 3 months of personal supply for 3 astronauts
- 2 EVA suits
- Various equipment to be installed on the exterior

Upward bound cargo = 4.69 t
Propellant to be transferred to station = 1.95 t
Total cargo mass = 6.64 t

[SciNews]

Not sure the source of this

Source https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Z9Zsk26rT-Fj_vFbnZdDpA
飞船密封舱携带上行货物重量约4.69吨，推进剂1.95吨，物资总重近6.64吨。
The ship's sealed compartment carries upstream cargo weighing about 4.69 tons, propellant 1.95 tons, and materials totaling nearly 6.64 tons.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

There are at least 2 unofficial reports that TZ-2 will head to the CSS using a 6.5 hours rendezvous profile, making docking to be around midnight UTC May 20.

No air/marine space closure notices found yet, but nearby road closure notices did confirm the launch to be within May 19 UTC.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

[NAVAREA Navigational Warnings]
SOUTH CHINA SEA
NO.21-0167 Date:2021/05/18 12 UTC
SOUTH CHINA SEA, NORTHERN PART.
ROCKET LAUNCHING. 191700Z TO 191800Z
MAY. AREAS BOUNDED BY
A. 14-25-18N 116-28-39E
14-48-51N 116-51-35E
15-44-17N 115-50-26E
15-20-37N 115-27-31E.
B. 13-56-34N 116-55-36E
14-23-59N 117-22-24E
14-49-58N 116-54-03E
14-22-29N 116-27-16E.
C. 13-23-15N 117-27-30E
13-54-30N 117-58-08E
14-24-17N 117-25-54E
13-52-57N 116-55-16E.
CANCEL THIS MSG 191900Z MAY.

[input~2]

琼航警0035  南海 2021年05月20日至05月21日，每日0100时至0300时，在以19-37.12N/110-57.32E为中心，6海里为半径的圆形区域内进行军事训练,禁止驶入。
HN0035   SOUTH CHINA SEA. MILITARY TRAINING IN AREA WITHIN 6 MILES RADIUS OF 19-37.12N/110-57.32E  1700 UTC TO 1900 UTC DAILY FROM 19 TO 20 MAY . ENTERING PROHIBITED.HAINAN M.S.A.CHINA.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/Cosmic_Penguin/status/1394990117777985541?s=20

[Galactic Penguin SST]

CMSEO has officially confirmed rocket propellant loading is complete and also confirms the ~17:30 UTC launch time.

Also here's the Mission Patch: