China Prepares Tianzhou-10 Cargo Mission For Space Station
China’s Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft is preparing to deliver more than 220 items of supplies weighing nearly 6.3 tonnes to the country’s space station. The mission will support the on-orbit work and daily life of the Shenzhou-23 and Shenzhou-24 astronaut crews.
The Tianzhou-10 spacecraft measures 10.6 metres in length and uses a two-module configuration consisting of a cargo module and a propulsion module. Designed specifically for space station resupply missions, the spacecraft has a launch weight of around 14 tonnes, making it the most capable space cargo vehicle currently in service.
Supplies To Support Astronauts And Station Operations
According to Yu Lei, chief designer at China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the cargo includes essential living supplies such as food and water. In addition, the spacecraft carries instruments, equipment, accessories, and spare parts required for the daily operation and maintenance of the space station.
The mission will also replenish nearly 700 kilograms of propellants for the orbiting station. Furthermore, Tianzhou-10 will assist with orbit control and attitude adjustments during the mission.
Yu explained that the space station’s own engines cannot be replaced or repaired and have limited operational life. Therefore, mission teams use the cargo spacecraft’s engines whenever possible for orbital manoeuvres and station adjustments.
New Spacesuits And Exercise Equipment
Tianzhou-10 will deliver a new set of extravehicular spacesuits. Combined with the two sets previously transported by Tianzhou-9, the station will now hold three upgraded spacesuits, fully replacing the original models.
The spacecraft will also transport a newly improved space treadmill to support astronauts’ fitness needs in orbit. Researchers completed more than 10 technical upgrades and optimisations to improve the running experience and exercise intensity after earlier in-orbit testing.
According to Zheng Zehao from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, the mission will also deliver fresh produce including apples, cherry tomatoes, green grapes, and flat peaches. In addition, frozen steak and frozen chicken wings will expand the astronauts’ menu options and improve their dining experience.
Largest Payload Mission Since Station Construction Began
Tianzhou-10 will also carry a space freezer for biological samples requiring low-temperature storage. Moreover, the mission includes the largest number of payload devices sent since construction of the Chinese space station began.
Yu said the mission would conduct in-orbit validation tests for several new technologies and products after entering space.
Meanwhile, the combined Tianzhou-10 spacecraft and Long March-7 carrier rocket were vertically transferred to the launch site on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The launch will take place at an appropriate time in the near future. The CMSA stated that facilities and equipment at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province remain in good condition, while comprehensive checks and joint tests are proceeding as scheduled.
Earlier this week, the Tianzhou-9 cargo craft separated from the Tiangong space station and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere under controlled conditions, clearing a docking port for the arrival of Tianzhou-10.
With inputs from Reuters