Space
launch timing like a chess match
BEEIJING, Oct 14. (Xinhuanet) -- Space launch
timing is like a chess match? China's timing
for its first manned spaceship flight will be
decided in line with conditions in orbit, the
craft's needs for orbital movements and working
conditions and requirements for ground monitoring
and control, according to a Chinese expert.
Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's spaceship
launch centresystem in Jiuquan, Northwest China's
Gansu Province, said a mathematical model has
been constructed with relevant data after a series
of "careful calculations.''
China has cautiously announced a "Projection
Window'' regarding the timing for the launch of
its first manned space vehicle into the orbit,
saying only that it will occur sometime between
October 15-17.
While officials have kept details close to the
vest, they have indicated some conditions are
critical to the launch decision. First the spacecraft
should be positioned in orbit with its solar panels
facing the sun to ensure adequate energy supply
to the vehicle during free flight.
Second, an optimum angle must be selected to
prevent direct irradiation from the sun of the
three infrared sensors that are used to measure
the earth, while a standard temperature is maintained
within the capsule.
"It is very difficult to satisfy all these requirements
simultaneously when the ship flies into orbit,''
Zhou explained.
"The room is very small for choosing the 'window'
since climatic conditions vary in different seasons,''
he said.
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