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China Launches Shenzhou 3 Test Flight
By Leonard David
Senior Space Writer
posted: 12:45 pm ET
25 March 2002
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China has lofted an unpiloted Shenzhou spacecraft, the third in a series, and a prelude to that country's first human space trek -- a mission that could take place next year. Shenzhou 3, according to reports from China's People's Daily, lifted off into the night sky atop a Long March 2F rocket at 9:15 a.m. EST (1415 GMT). Some ten minutes later after departing the Jiuquan Satellite Launching Center of Gansu Province, Shenzhou 3 entered Earth orbit. Shenzhou 3 is comprised of several elements: an orbital module, return module, booster engines and an "additional module", according to reports. The craft is said to be an upgraded design, contrasted to an earlier Shenzhou 2 craft that flew in 2001. The spaceship is expected to orbit the Earth for the next few days. The craft carries a host of experiments, including life science experiments, as well as investigations in space materials and astronomy. Progression of progress According to the People's Daily, this was the 66th launch of the Long March booster, and its 24th successful launch in a row since October 1996. The progression of Shenzhou flights started with its maiden voyage in November 1999. Shenzhou 2 followed in January 2001. Each mission has expanded the capabilities of the spacecraft, furthering China's goal of launching a piloted vehicle by 2005. The Shenzhou 3 does seem to be somewhat upgraded, said Charles Vick, chief of the space policy division of the Federation of American Scientists, based in Washington, D.C. It appears that a platform may be attached to the front of the vehicle, an item not previously seen on earlier Shenzhou craft. "In general, we should not underestimate the Chinese and their capabilities, especially since they are building a second launch site [for the Long March/Shenzhou combination] that's almost complete. They are picking up the pace and the funding appears to be there," Vick told SPACE.com. Bigger things to come Having two launch pads is a signal of bigger things to come, Vick said. China appears to be building up the ability to rocket Shenzhou vehicles in quick succession. They would then dock the vehicles together in Earth orbit, constructing a larger orbiting facility, he said. Regarding the first piloted Shenzhou, such a mission may take place next year. "That assumes that the next two test flights, along with this current mission, go as planned. There's no assurance of that. They had a lot of problems readying Shenzhou 3 for its flight. There was considerable delay," Vick said. "I think they have a series of things they want to introduce to this program," Vick said. The next two missions may set the stage for a piloted Shenzhou 6, perhaps taking to space in the fall of next year, he said If a piloted Shenzhou does successfully fly, China will become the third nation -- after Russia in 1961 and the United States in 1962 -- to have an independent, in-country ability to launch humans into Earth orbit.
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