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Unmanned Cargo Spacecraft
CASC is currently developing an unmanned cargo spacecraft which will be used to transport supplies to the future Chinese space station. According to Qi Faren, the former chief designer of the ShenZhou spacecraft, the future Chinese space station will include a core module, a cargo spacecraft, a manned spacecraft, as well as other functional modules [1].
During another interview with the media, Song Zhengyu, the deputy chief designer of the Project 921-4 launch vehicle confirmed that part of the launch missions for future human spaceflight programme, including the cargo spacecraft, will be launched from the newly-built Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre in Hainan Island, while manned missions will still be carried out from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre [2].
The cargo spacecraft will be based on the TianGong 1 target spacecraft design. It will be fitted with rendezvous and docking port and used for resupplying and refuelling the future space station. The spacecraft will be launched from the newly-built Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre in Hainan Island [3].
References
- 神舟飞船原总设计师透露我国空间站计划, Sina News, 14 Aug 08
- 海南卫星发射中心将成“神舟”第二战场, Xinhuanet, 24 Sept 08
- China to launch Tiangong-1 at the end of next year, People's Daily Online, 9 March 2009
Last update: 9 March 2009 |
