DNVN - On November 15, China launched the Tianzhou-8 cargo ship to deliver equipment to the Tiangong space station.
According to the announcement from the China Manned Space Administration, the Long March-7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-8 spacecraft lifted off from the Wenchang launch site in Hainan Province. After about 10 minutes, the Tianzhou-8 spacecraft separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit. The spacecraft's solar panels were also deployed. The space agency confirmed that the launch was successful.
The Tianzhou-8 spacecraft is expected to automatically dock with the rear port of the Tianhe main module on the Tiangong station about 3 hours after launch. The spacecraft is 10.6 m long, has a maximum diameter of 3.35 m, and includes a cargo module and a fuel module. Its main task is to transport supplies and fuel to the station and dispose of waste by returning them to the atmosphere for burning.
The spacecraft will carry supplies for the astronauts, including daily necessities, medical supplies, and spaceflight support materials. These supplies are being prepared to serve the astronauts on the future Shenzhou-19 and Shenzhou-20 missions.
In particular, the spacecraft also has “moon bricks” created by scientists at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology. These bricks are made from materials simulating lunar soil, collected by the Chang’e 5 spacecraft. According to the researchers, these bricks are three times more durable than regular red bricks or concrete. In addition, the research team also applied additive manufacturing technology (3D printing), which helps create 3D objects from computer-controlled materials.
The purpose of this launch is to test the bricks’ resistance to force, temperature, and cosmic radiation, in order to evaluate their potential for use in construction on the Moon. The bricks are expected to return to Earth in late 2025 for further research.
In addition, the Tianzhou-8 spacecraft also carries fruit flies to conduct experiments in a microgravity environment.
Ganoderma (t/h)
Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/trung-quoc-thu-nghiem-gach-mat-trang-trong-su-menh-khong-gian-moi/20241118094915250
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