This photo taken on April 17, 2024 shows the combination of the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket being transferred to the launching area of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.(Photo:Xinhua)

 
With the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceflight mission around the corner, the final rehearsal and comprehensive system airtightness check of the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceflight mission was completed on Tuesday, with the taikonauts and launch site all in good condition, the Global Times learned from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. 

After arriving at the launch site, the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft and Long March-2F rocket combination has completed functional checks, matching checks, and organized a full-system launch rehearsal. Subsequently, rocket propellant will be loaded and the launch will be conducted soon according to plan.

Zhao Bingkun, an official at the Jiuquan launch site, said there have been certain adjustments made to the testing and launch process for this mission, which “shortened the launch cycle and improved work efficiency.” 

By conducting comprehensive system launch drills and full-area joint exercises, each system underwent joint debugging and testing, and was able to fully simulate various technical states during the entire process of the spacecraft’s flight, Zhao explained. 

“Currently, all participating system is in stable condition, personnel are prepared, and we are eagerly awaiting the take-off of Shenzhou-18,” Zhao told media.

The Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission is the first launch mission conducted in April since the construction of the Chinese space station, or Tiangong. 

April is the month with the most windy and sandy weather at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center throughout the year, the Global Times learned from a system insider.

Windy and sandy weather can have adverse effects on various systems at the launch site, including its air conditioning system, tower equipment, power supply, and other outdoor equipment, posing challenges to ground support work. 

To cope with the challenges, the launch site’s meteorological department has been monitoring the changes in ground winds, sand, and high-altitude wind speeds brought by frequent cold air activities every day.

“We have begun preparing for mission weather a month ago. By far, we have completed status checks of key equipment, and installed automatic weather stations in key surrounding areas,” said Ren Fengjie from the Jiuquan launch site’s meteorological office. 

In addition, the meteorological observation personnel at the launch site have compiled contingency plans for sudden situations after analysis of weather data for April at the launch site over the past decade.

Li Zonggang, the person in charge of emergency handling of meteorological equipment at the launch site, said they have prepared special equipment to closely monitor the evolution of surrounding meteorological data, and will report these data to the mission command center in a timely manner. 

At the same time, the launch site has also carried out preparations for wind and sand prevention. They have used windproof cloth and sealing strips to protect the tower structure, providing a good environment for the testing of various equipment in the launch area. 

To ensure the safety of the taikonauts, the rescue team conducted process drills in conjunction with the mission. “While enhancing the emergency response capabilities and rescue proficiency of the team, we have validated a scientific and rational emergency plan, ensuring the absolute safety of our returning crew,” according to Gao Fei, a member of the rescue team.