The founder and ideological inspirer of the Chinese space program is rightly considered Qian Xuesen. For a long time he lived and studied in the USA, he graduated from several technical universities and received a doctorate in aerodynamics. After accusing the US of helping the Communists, he returned to China and began his own development of missiles.
Goals and principles
China's space program begins in 1956. It was at this time that the Academy was founded by the Ministry of Defense, which began to develop rockets and rocket launchers. The main tasks, goals and principles of work set by the Government of China were formed and set out in a special plan. All work should be aimed at thorough exploration of outer space. The main idea was the use of space for peaceful purposes, for a common understanding of the Earth’s structure.
The data obtained should have been processed and presented in an understandable form for Chinese citizens. The scientific enlightenment of Chinese citizens, and national self-awareness should contribute to addressing the issues of scientific, economic, social and technological progress.
Test missile launches
The work began with the development of ordinary geophysical rockets, with the help of which various studies were carried out. The first experimental specimens were launched in 1966. For the first time, a rocket with several mice on board was launched into the stratosphere, the task of which was to show scientists how living things feel in the created rockets. In July 1966, the T-7A rocket successfully launched, the passenger of which this time was a dog. All tests were successful.
April 1970 was marked by the launch of the first Chinese satellite, Dongfang Hong 1. They tried to launch the rocket at the end of 1969, but the launch was unsuccessful. For China's space program, this launch was a breakthrough. Thanks to this attempt, China became the eleventh country in the world to develop and launch its own satellite, and the second in Asia, giving way to Japan, which had done this only a few weeks earlier.
Development "Shuguan"
In the mid-twentieth century, China led the development of three manned space programs. The first program was called "Shuguang." Preparation began at the end of 1960. The start was scheduled for 1973.
"Shuguan" - a two-seater spaceship, the prototype of which was the American spaceship "Gemini". The Chinese version was slightly smaller, but was several times heavier, as it had technological equipment on board. On board in a special compartment were two astronauts in full uniform and in seats equipped with an ejection system in case of unforeseen situations.
The plans were to launch a rocket in 1973. The implementation of the flight would turn China into the world's third most powerful space power after the United States and the USSR. However, the program was closed in May 1072 due to a lack of funding and an unstable political situation. Mao Zedong, the head of the PRC, considered ground-based needs to be a higher priority. The space program was closed, and the second cosmodrome, which was built for this purpose, was mothballed and turned into a viewing platform for the country's top leaders and industry experts.
Shenzhou Program
In the late 1970s, a second Chinese manned space program was underway. It was based on the base of the FSW satellites, the so-called return satellites. What caused the declassification and complete cessation of the program is unknown. It is believed that all actions were terminated as a result of the unsuccessful launch of the first Chinese astronaut.
China became a real space power in 2003 thanks to the implementation of the Shenzhou program. This was China's first space flight. The rocket was in orbit of the Earth for only one day, October 15th. During the day, the device made 14 full revolutions around the Earth. The ship was piloted by PLA Air Force Colonel Jan Liwei. Prior to this launch with a man on board, a team of specialists made four successful unmanned missile launches into space.
Interesting Facts
The Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou is practically the twin brother of the Russian spacecraft Soyuz. It completely repeats its shape and size, has a similar structure of household and instrument compartments. All parts of the ship are almost identical, with a small amount of error due to Chinese technical standards. The orbital complex was also built using secret technologies, which were the basis of several Soyuz space stations.
In 2005 there was a resonant case. Director of TsNIIMash-Export CJSC Igor Reshetin was accused of spying for China. He was charged with selling Russian space products to the Chinese side. The investigation lasted more than two years. As a result, academician Reshetin was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison. Subsequently, the case was sent for review. Igor Reshetin was reduced to seven years. He was released ahead of schedule in 2012, after serving six years and eight months.
Lunar program
China is very ambitious in its plans to conquer space. There are several points to note. The space agency has been developing the lunar program of China for a decade. Together with quite ordinary tasks of collecting soil and other samples, specialists intend to make a breakthrough and land for the first time in world history on the back, dark, side of the moon. No country in the world has made such a flight. The mission was called Chang'e.
A test Chinese spacecraft, Chang'e-1, was launched into the orbit of the moon back in 2007. In 2013, the Chang'e-3 spacecraft landed on the lunar surface. He was in working condition for about one earth month, advanced only 114 meters. After two lunar days, the device failed.
On the basis of the third model of the apparatus, Chang'e-4 was created. Initially, it was planned to be used as an understudy, but after the failure of the existing complex, it was decided to modify the Chang'e-4 to an independent lunar rover with a more expanded mission.
The Chang'e 3 landing was a serious test for the technical services of the Chinese Space Agency. The next lunar rover was created taking into account all the errors, equipped with modern technological and computer equipment. Experts expect that the lunar rover will be able to function on the moon for more than three months.
Of particular difficulty in implementing this program is the lunar surface itself, which cannot be seen from Earth. To solve this problem, specialists plan to send a reconnaissance probe, which will serve as a kind of repeater for the lunar rover and will be able to transmit data received at high radio frequencies to Earth, to the command post.
Freight transportation
China's achievements in space are impressive. The country was not going to stop there and in parallel led the construction of a cargo spacecraft, the purpose of which was to deliver goods and equipment to the orbital station. "Tianzhou" - such a name was given to the first cargo ship. The tests began in February 2017 and were very successful. The official launch took place on April 20. The main task was set for the ship - refueling the orbital station.
Also in the sealed compartment was an imitation of cargo that is planned to be transferred to the station team: technical and medical equipment for the necessary experiments in zero gravity. Three test connections were made. On September 17, 2017, the cargo ship was successfully taken out of orbit.
Work in 2015-2016
In early 2015, China launched a medium-heavy rocket into lunar orbit. The device successfully carried out all the maneuvers. His main task was to test and verify the technologies that were planned to be used for the Chang'e-5 satellite. Its launch was scheduled for 2017.
In the fall, as part of the experiment, a satellite was launched, which they planned to use in the telecommunications sector. Today, the satellite is in orbit and serves to optimize radio communications and radar.
In 2016, the Belarusian satellite was launched into orbit, which provides telecommunications, including broadband Internet access.
Achievements 2017-2018
In March 2017, an agreement was signed on the joint work of Chinese and Ukrainian specialists in the field of space loading. Also, work was done to place a group of satellites in orbit that ensure uninterrupted operation of data transmission on Earth. During the year, three pilot successful dockings of the Tianzhou cargo ship with the space station were conducted. In 2018, the first launch vehicle created by a private company was launched. The experiment ended unsuccessfully.
