Chinese ships paired with the module for the second time

Shenzhou 8 spacecraft and Thien Cung 1 experimental module successfully implemented the second joint in the space yesterday.

Illustration of Shenzhou 8 and module ships
Thien Cung 1 prepares to pair up in space.

Previously, Than Chau 8 and Thien Cung 1 joined for the first time on November 3. In the past 12 days, two devices flew around the earth before the Shenzhou 8 ship separated for about half an hour and then joined for the second time, Xinhua reported.

Beijing wants to install its own space station in 2020. To achieve that goal, they have to master the coupling technique in space. Previously only Russia and the US successfully implemented this technique in the 60s.

Pairing two devices in space is extremely difficult technology by two devices flying on the same trajectory at speeds up to several thousand kilometers per hour. The two devices must come close to each other gently and accurately, otherwise they will destroy each other.

Chinese scientists choose when two devices fly through the dark to make the second pair. That way they will know if China's coupling technique can be carried out in a low-light environment.

Many sensors and radars are installed on Shenzhou 8 to support the coupling process. Due to the changing light conditions during the process of flying around the earth, the biggest challenge is to minimize the impact of sunlight on the sensors.

The Than Chau 8 ship was launched on November 1, while the Thien Cung 1 module flew up from September 29. After the second match, Shenzhou 8 will return to Earth on November 17. In the following year, China will launch two ships Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 to orbit to join them with Thien Cung 1. One of the two ships will carry people.