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Launch
center upgraded for manned space mission: expert
JIUQUAN, Gansu, Oct. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- China
has upgraded the launch center chargd with sending
its first manned spacecraft into the outer space
to ensure success of this historic mission,
according to a leading expert at the center
in northwest China.
The center has since 1999 sent four unpiloted
spaceships into space.
"Thanks to the upgrading, our launch site system
has become technologically sophisticated," Zhou
Jianping, chief designer for the launch site system
under China's spaceflight program, told Xinhua
in an exclusive interview. He said that the center
is now "technically readied" for the mission.
A number of new facilities have been built in
the center, including a workshop for vertical
assembling of the vehicle with the rocket carrier,
a launch tower, a command and control center,
and an advanced system with four pipes capable
of injecting fuel into the rocket and vehicle
simultaneously and without leakage.
Unlike a satellite to be launched, Zhou noted,
a manned vehicle has to be assembled, tested and
maneuvered vertically for higher efficiency and
better working conditions.
"It is of paramount importance to ensure safety
of the astronauts during the countdown and take-off,"
he said, adding that to this end, there are two
modes of escape -- an emergency haul off from
the platform and escape by a "tractor-rocket"
system.
A 14-member rescue team comprising the commander
and experts has been formed to pinpoint any possible
hitch, and promptly inform the monitoring system
or the escape command panel of their finding for
final decision. Other emergency facilities include
an explosion-proof elevator, an escape slide and
a shelter for astronauts.
The launch center is now capable of transferring,
assembling, testing and transporting rocket carriers
and spacecraft, Zhou said. It is also fitted for
projection of space vehicles; commanding, controling,
monitoring, displaying and communicating during
take-off; organization of rescue during the countdown
and take-off; monitoring, measuring and safety
control during the take-off; and providing the
aerospace command and control center with relevant
data and graphs.
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