Year-end review: This year, we pursued our dreams and settled in space

◎ Science and Technology Daily reporter Jin Feng

The stars are vast, and we pursue our dreams in the sky. Riding on the wings of dreams, China in 2022 will continue to leave innovative marks in the distant and mysterious space with magnificent soaring and unremitting exploration.

From the first radial rendezvous and docking of Shenzhou-13 and the core module of Tianhe, to the completion of the basic "T" configuration of the Chinese space station; from the successful "asking the sky" of the Wentian and Mengtian experimental modules, to the "match made in heaven" of manned spacecraft and cargo spacecraft; from astronauts being able to stay in space for half a year, to the six astronauts from two crews meeting in space... This year, China's space industry has accelerated in the new journey of exploring the vast universe, and has also created a monument of the era for China's manned spaceflight in its thirties. From then on, the "Palace in the Sky" belonging to the Chinese people has a clear shape.

Lunar soil research, Mars exploration... China's pace of exploring the universe continues. I believe that there will be more discoveries in the future that will bring more surprises to the world.

Shenzhou XIII Returns to Earth

China's space station key technology verification phase comes to a successful conclusion

When autumn is as thick as wine, it soars into the sky, and when spring is warm and flowers are blooming, it returns with honor. At 9:56 on April 16, the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft, which had been traveling in space for half a year, landed safely at the Dongfeng landing site. After 183 days, the three astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, who were "on a business trip" in space, successfully exited the cabin and returned to the embrace of the earth.

On April 16, the return capsule of the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft successfully landed in the designated area of ​​the Dongfeng landing site. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Peng Yuan

From the successful separation of the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft from the Tianhe core module of the space station at 00:44 on the 16th to the landing of the spacecraft's return capsule at the Dongfeng landing site at 9:56, this journey between the sky and the earth set a record for the fastest speed for Chinese astronauts to return to Earth from space.

This record is just one of the many space records created by the Shenzhou 13 manned spacecraft: At 6:56 am on October 16, 2021, the Shenzhou spacecraft adopted an autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking mode and docked at the radial port of the Tianhe core module. This was the first radial rendezvous and docking of my country's manned spacecraft in space; On November 8, 2021, Wang Yaping became China's first female astronaut to perform an extravehicular mission, taking the first step for Chinese women in extravehicular spacewalk; On January 1, 2022, the Shenzhou 13 astronaut crew welcomed the first rays of sunshine of the new year in the distant space. This is the first time that Chinese people have celebrated the New Year in space, and it is also the first time that Chinese people have celebrated New Year's Day in a space station they built.

Astronauts are getting better and better, and they will write more "first" records in 2022. On January 6, my country used the space station's robotic arm to operate a large-scale on-orbit vehicle for the first time to conduct a transposition test; two days later, on January 8, astronauts completed the rendezvous and docking of a cargo spacecraft and a space station complex through manual remote control for the first time...

The small steps taken by the Chinese in space time and time again have come together to form a big step forward for China's space program.

The triumphant return of Shenzhou marks the complete success of the last flight mission and the sixth flight mission in the key technology verification phase of China's space station. It also opens the curtain on the construction phase of China's space station.

China's space industry has reached a new starting point.

Zhurong found signs of water activity on Mars

Providing clues to reveal the mysteries of Mars

As the planet most similar to Earth in the solar system, Mars contains many unknown mysteries that attract human exploration. The arrival of China's Zhurong Mars rover continues to provide clues to reveal these mysteries.

Photo of "Group photo of patrol officers". Source: China National Space Administration

On May 11, Science Advances published an important research result on water activity on Mars. Using data obtained by the Zhurong Mars rover, Chinese scientists found signs of water activity in the geologically younger Zhurong landing area, indicating that this area on Mars may contain a large amount of usable water in the form of hydrous minerals.

This marks the first time in the world that Zhurong has used the short-wave infrared spectrometer on a rover to detect water-containing minerals in situ on Mars.

"The signs of water activity found by Zhurong in the geologically young landing area indicate that the Martian hydrosphere during the Amazonian period may have been more active than previously thought. This discovery is of great significance for understanding the evolution history of Mars' climate and environment," said Liu Yang, the first author and corresponding author of the paper and a researcher at the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The research team also used the short-wave infrared spectrum and navigation terrain camera data obtained by the Zhurong Mars rover to discover a lithified plate-like crust layer rich in minerals such as hydrous sulfate. It is inferred that these crusts may be formed by salt minerals crystallized by groundwater overflow or capillary evaporation, which cemented the Martian soil and then lithified.

The Zhurong rover has been making good news on its Mars exploration journey. On September 26, the world's first radar detection results conducted by the Zhurong rover on Utopia Planitia were published in the internationally authoritative academic journal Nature. The study found that under the 10-meter-thick weathering layer on the surface of the rover landing area, there are two sets of sedimentary sequences that taper upwards, which may reflect the multi-stage surface transformation process of Mars related to water activities 3.5 billion to 3.2 billion years ago; no evidence of liquid water has been found in the area 0-80 meters below the surface of Mars, but the possibility of salt ice cannot be ruled out.

Shenzhou 14 sets out

Carry out a series of popular science education and cultural communication activities

The summer breeze blew gently, bidding farewell to the Shenzhou spacecraft. The vast sky awaited the arrival of the flying heroes. At 10:44 on June 5, after a thunderous roar, the Long March 2F carrier rocket lifted the Shenzhou XIV manned spacecraft carrying three astronauts from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center deep in the desert and flew into the sky.

This is the 23rd flight mission since the implementation of my country's manned space program, and the third manned flight mission in the space station phase.

The three astronauts welcomed the visits of two space station modules, one manned spacecraft and one cargo spacecraft in orbit, completed the first in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou 15 astronauts, witnessed many historic moments such as the world record for the fastest rendezvous and docking of a cargo spacecraft with the space station, and used the breaks between missions to conduct a "Tiangong Classroom" space lecture, and carried out a series of unique science popularization education and cultural communication activities.

The Wentian Experimental Module successfully "asked the sky"

Make the risks of China's space station in orbit more controllable

Set sail for the stars and pursue your dreams. On July 24, the Wentian Experimental Module of the Chinese Space Station, lifted by the Long March 5B carrier rocket, successfully entered the planned orbit and "asked the sky".

On July 24, the Long March 5B Yao-3 carrier rocket carrying the Wentian experimental module was ignited and launched at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in my country. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Gang

This is the 24th flight mission since the implementation of China's manned space program. The Wentian laboratory module is the second module of the Chinese space station and also the first scientific laboratory module.

The Wentian Experimental Module consists of three parts: the working module, the airlock module and the resource module. It is the largest single sealed module in my country so far. There are three sleeping areas and one sanitary area in the module. After the docking, the number of "beds" in the Chinese space station has increased to six, laying the foundation for the "space reunion" of the two crews of Shenzhou XIV and Shenzhou XV and six astronauts.

The Wentian Experimental Module is an "all-round player" that integrates platform functions and test payload functions. The Wentian Experimental Module and the Tianhe Core Module serve as backups for each other, and their key platform functions are consistent, which can fully cover the working requirements of the space station complex. In other words, when the Tianhe Core Module "wants to rest", the Wentian Experimental Module can also "take you flying together".

In addition to ensuring the long-term stay of astronauts in orbit, the Wentian laboratory module also provides a dedicated airlock and emergency shelter, making the on-orbit operation risks of China's space station more controllable and its long-life on-orbit operation more reliable.

In terms of test load functions, the cabin is equipped with 8 test cabinets and 22 extravehicular load adapters, just like moving a large scientific laboratory into space. The energy management system of the Wentian test cabin is very powerful, with its own high-performance "generator" and "distributor".

After the in-orbit construction of the space station was completed, a solar sail panel of the Tianhe core module was transferred to the tail of the Wentian laboratory module. The Tianhe core module focuses on the management of the space station, while the Wentian laboratory module becomes the veritable "main power station".

Suborbital launch vehicle reusable flight test successful

Lay the foundation for the development of reusable space transportation technology

On August 26, the reusable flight test of the lift-type suborbital launch vehicle independently developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, affiliated to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, was a complete success.

The carrier used in the flight test, after health inspection and maintenance, ignited again at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and took off vertically, completed the suborbital flight according to the set program, and landed smoothly and horizontally at the Alxa Right Banner Airport, successfully realizing the first reusable flight of my country's suborbital carrier. The complete success of this flight test has effectively promoted the leapfrog development of my country's space transportation technology from single-use to reusable.

As early as July 16th one year ago, the suborbital reusable demonstration and verification project carrier ignited and took off on time at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. After completing the flight according to the set program, it landed smoothly and horizontally at the Alxa Right Banner Airport. The maiden flight mission was a complete success.

**The development of reusable space transportation technology is an important symbol of my country's progress from a space power to a space power. The suborbital reusable vehicle can be used as a sub-stage of the lift rocket-powered reusable space transportation system, integrating multiple aerospace technologies. **The success of this project has laid a solid foundation for the development of my country's reusable space transportation technology.

Mengtian Experimental Module Launched

Create a "Dream Factory" for Space Technology Application Research

On October 31, the Mengtian Experimental Module of the Chinese Space Station was successfully launched into space by the Long March 5B carrier rocket, marking the final battle of my country's space station construction mission. On November 3, the Mengtian Experimental Module of the Chinese Space Station successfully completed its transfer, and the "T" configuration of the Chinese Space Station was assembled.

Image source: China Manned Spaceflight

At first glance, the Mengtian Experimental Module looks very similar to the Wentian Experimental Module, but the former is more rounded and smooth. Among the four sections of the Mengtian Experimental Module, the working module is connected to the core module through a docking mechanism. It is where astronauts work and exercise in the cabin, and it is also where the scientific experiment cabinets in the cabin are installed; the resource module is equipped with a solar orientation device and a flexible solar wing; the cargo airlock and payload cabin adopt a unique "nesting doll" design, that is, the airlock is hidden in the "belly" of the payload cabin, which is a dedicated channel for cargo to enter and exit the cabin.

"If the Wentian laboratory module is compared to an 'international airport', the Mengtian laboratory module is the 'international cargo port'." Meng Yao, deputy chief designer of the Mengtian laboratory module for the space station of the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, introduced that the Mengtian module is equipped with a unique payload transfer mechanism and a fully automatic sliding square door. The payload can enter and exit the cabin automatically, and no longer relies solely on astronauts to "carry cargo", which greatly breaks through the limitations on the number of extravehicular activities, the amount and size of payloads.

Unlike Wentian, Mengtian is no longer equipped with a regenerative life support system, sleeping area, or sanitary area. Instead, it is a dedicated "working cabin" that can carry out larger-scale space research experiments and new technology tests. Scientists call it a "dream factory" for space science research and application.

The Mengtian Laboratory Module is the module with the strongest payload support capability on the Chinese space station. It is equipped with 13 standard payload cabinets. It is mainly aimed at microgravity science research and can support multidisciplinary research in fluid physics, materials science, combustion science, basic physics, and aerospace technology experiments.

At the same time, the Mengtian cabin is equipped with 37 payload installation stations outside the cabin. In particular, the payload cabin is equipped with two in-orbit exposure payload test platforms and one fixed exposure platform, so that more thorough "space environment" experiments can be carried out.

3 EVAs in one mission

Verify the functional performance of related supporting equipment

"It feels like the Earth is right in front of me, so close, rushing towards me." At 18:26 on September 1, Shenzhou 14 astronaut Chen Dong was so excited after opening the airlock hatch of the Wentian Experimental Module. Afterwards, after about 6 hours of EVA, astronauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe worked closely together to complete all the scheduled tasks during the EVA.

The picture taken at the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center on September 2 shows Liu Yang (left), an astronaut on the Shenzhou XIV, returning after completing his extravehicular mission. Photo by Li Jie, Xinhua News Agency

This was the first time that astronauts exited the Wentian Experimental Module airlock, assisted by a small robotic arm. **During the astronauts' extravehicular activities, there was careful coordination between the ground and the sky, and close cooperation inside and outside the cabin. They successively completed the installation of the Wentian module expansion pump group, the lifting of the Wentian module panoramic camera, and the verification of the autonomous emergency return outside the cabin. The whole process was smooth and successful, which tested the ability of the astronauts and the small robotic arm to work together, and verified the functional performance of the Wentian Experimental Module airlock and the supporting equipment related to the extravehicular activities.

This extravehicular activity created many "firsts": astronauts Chen Dong and Liu Yang performed extravehicular missions for the first time; astronauts exited the airlock for the first time, and the hatch was more "spacious"; a small robotic arm was used to transfer astronauts for the first time...

This extravehicular mission was just the beginning of the Shenzhou 14 crew's extravehicular missions. On September 17 and November 17, the crew carried out another extravehicular mission.

During the third extravehicular activity, the astronauts completed the installation of the inter-cabin connection devices between the Tianhe core module and the Wentian laboratory module, and between the Tianhe core module and the Mengtian laboratory module, and built a "sky bridge" for extravehicular walking between the three cabins. Astronaut Cai Xuzhe achieved the first inter-cabin extravehicular walk through the "sky bridge".

Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft launched successfully

Set the world record for fastest rendezvous and docking

Fully loaded with cargo, it flew into the sky and crossed the sea of ​​stars to the Tiangong. On November 12, as a magnificent white smoke rose rapidly on the coast of Wenchang, Hainan, the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft was successfully launched under the steady support of the Long March-7 Yao-6 carrier rocket.

**From pressing the launch button to rendezvous and docking with the space station, the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft took only 2 hours, achieving a gorgeous upgrade from "space cargo train" to "space cargo high-speed rail". **The successful implementation of my country's rapid rendezvous and docking technology in orbit marks a new technological breakthrough in China's space rendezvous and docking technology.

A diagram of the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft and the space station complex completing autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking, taken at the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center on November 12. Xinhua News Agency, photo by Sun Fengxiao

Tianzhou-5 is my country's fifth cargo spacecraft. It is the first "visitor" to the Chinese space station after it formed a "T" configuration in space. It is also the first time that Chinese astronauts have welcomed a cargo spacecraft in orbit. Tianzhou-5 is a fully sealed cargo spacecraft with the largest cargo transportation capacity and the most comprehensive in-orbit support capability in the world.

The Tianzhou-5 is loaded with about 5 tons of cargo for astronaut systems, space station systems and space applications, and carries about 1.4 tons of additional propellant, providing material support for the 6-month on-orbit stay of the three-member Shenzhou-15 crew, the assembly and construction of the space station and the field of space applications. At the same time, the Tianzhou-5 also makes full use of the uplink capacity resources of the cargo spacecraft, carries a number of experimental payloads, supports space science and technology experiments, and has the ability to undertake space station attitude orbit control, grid-connected power supply, space station telemetry, data transmission support, etc., which can achieve higher comprehensive benefits.

Unlike previous cargo spacecraft, the docking target of Tianzhou-5 is a space station complex weighing 80 tons. The success of this mission also fully proves the adaptability of the cargo spacecraft docking mechanism to large-tonnage targets.

Shenzhou 15 launched successfully

China's space station forms a "three-cabin, three-ship" combination for the first time

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ignition!" At 23:08 on November 29, the Long March 2F Yao 15 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou 15 manned spacecraft was ignited and launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. About 10 minutes later, the Shenzhou 15 manned spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket and entered the predetermined orbit.

After the spacecraft enters orbit, it will conduct autonomous and rapid rendezvous and docking with the space station complex according to the predetermined procedure, and the Shenzhou 15 astronaut crew will be rotated in orbit with the Shenzhou 14 astronaut crew. During their work and life in the space station, the astronaut crew will conduct multiple extravehicular activities to complete various tasks such as installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of equipment inside and outside the cabin, complex management, and space science and technology experiments (tests).

This is the 27th flight mission since the establishment of my country's manned space program, and the fourth manned flight mission since the space station phase. The successful launch marks the successful completion of all 12 launch missions planned for the key technology verification and construction phase of the space station.

The launch of the Shenzhou XV manned spacecraft also set a new record for my country's successful launch of a manned spacecraft in ultra-low temperature weather.

During the construction of the space station, the launch site carried out an overall transformation of the launch tower, and fully upgraded the non-standard tower maintenance system, power distribution system, filling and air supply system, and air conditioning system. Before the mission, they also conducted a special status review and multiple debugging of the equipment, and the heating effect was significantly improved.

At 5:42 am on November 30, the Shenzhou XV manned spacecraft autonomously and rapidly rendezvoused and docked at the forward port of the Tianhe core module. Together with the Wentian and Mengtian laboratory modules, and the Shenzhou XIV and Tianzhou V spacecraft, China's space station formed a "three-module, three-ship" combination for the first time, reaching the current maximum design configuration, with a total weight of nearly 100 tons.

Chinese scientists discover new mineral on the moon for the first time

"Chang'e Stone" deepens human understanding of the moon and the solar system

380,000 kilometers from the Earth, the mysteries of the moon are being revealed bit by bit. On September 9, the National Space Administration and the National Atomic Energy Agency jointly announced that Chinese scientists had discovered a new mineral on the moon for the first time and named it "Chang'e Stone". This mineral is the sixth new mineral discovered by humans on the moon. The size of its single crystal particles is only 10 microns, less than 1/10 of the diameter of a hair. China has become the third country in the world to discover a new mineral on the moon, which is another major scientific achievement of the Chang'e 5 lunar sample research.

Chinese scientists discovered a new lunar mineral for the first time and named it "Chang'e Stone". The picture shows researchers from the Beijing Institute of Geology of the China National Nuclear Corporation weighing lunar soil. Xinhua News Agency, provided by the Beijing Institute of Geology of the China National Nuclear Corporation

According to experts, "Chang'e Stone" was discovered in the basalt fragments of the Chang'e-5 lunar samples. It is a new phosphate mineral belonging to the meteorite phosphate sodium magnesium calcium family.

"The discovery of new minerals provides more basic scientific data for the formation and evolution of the moon and deepens human understanding of the moon and the solar system." Dong Baotong, deputy director of the National Atomic Energy Agency, said that this is a major scientific achievement made by my country in the field of space science and a successful exploration of cross-industry and cross-professional collaboration.

In addition to the "Chang'e Stone", 2022 will be a year of fruitful results in the research on Chang'e-5 lunar soil samples.

In January 2022, the Chinese team obtained the water content of the lunar surface under in-situ conditions for the first time. The latest research shows that there are about 120 grams of water in 1 ton of lunar soil and about 180 grams of water in 1 ton of rock. Combined with sample analysis, most of the water in the lunar soil comes from the solar wind, and the extra water in the rock may be water from the moon's interior.

In May 2022, Chinese scholars studied a 0.2-gram lunar soil sample and discovered that some of its components can act as catalysts to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuel under the action of sunlight.

In June 2022, Chinese researchers published a paper announcing the discovery of a layer of amorphous glass on the surface of ilmenite particles in the lunar soil.

Source: Science and Technology Daily