A module left in orbit from China's unpiloted Shenzhou 3 has made significant maneuvers, suggesting that the hardware might be utilized for test purposes later this year. Shakeouts of equipment in space and practice runs by ground controllers are a prelude to China's entry in the human spaceflight arena.
The automated Shenzhou 3 spacecraft -- comprised of multiple segments -- was rocketed into orbit March 25 atop China's Long March 2F rocket. On April 1, the Shenzhou 3's return module parachuted to Earth. The spacecraft's orbital module, however, was left behind in space, later making minor adjustments to its orbit.
Following nearly a month of circling Earth, and using onboard steering jets, the Shenzhou 3 segment zoomed to a much higher orbit last week. This maneuver could set the stage for a test of rendezvous procedures helpful in building up confidence and capability in China's bid to fly its own crew, and also to construct and house a space station.
Astronauts at-the-ready
Recovery and study of the Shenzhou 3 return module, stuffed with heavily instrumented mannequins, proved the craft was "technically suitable for astronauts," noted Chinese space officials. The craft was transported to Beijing April 2 for detailed inspection.
Over the last several weeks, China's top space planners have begun underscoring their intentions to orbit a space station, serviced by piloted Shenzhou spacecraft. A group of astronauts -- dubbed "yuhangyuans" -- are now undergoing intensive training.
The first batch of yuhangyuans are fighter plane pilots, picked from over 2,000 candidates, reported China People's Daily. The names of the crew who will pilot the first Shenzhou into orbit are to be announced prior to the launch of a Shenzhou 5, the state-controlled media outlet said, citing a Chinese space official.
Su Shuangning, commander-in-chief and chief designer of China's manned space navigation project, was quoted last week by the People's Daily that the country intends to fortify its human spaceflight-training center to rival that of Russia and the United States.
Rendezvous target
China space experts are carefully watching Shenzhou 3's orbital module. There is some thought that a Shenzhou 4 craft might attempt a rendezvous, but no docking, with the free-floating module later this year.
Phillip Clark, head of Molniya Space Consultancy in the United Kingdom, and a keen-eyed authority on China's space activities, said that one Shenzhou 4 scenario could take place in the September time frame. Given some slight adjustments in the now-orbiting orbital module in May and June, it may be in perfect position as a rendezvous target for a Shenzhou 4.
Clark also noted that a small satellite remains attached to the Shenzhou 3 orbital module. Thanks to the higher orbit, this small telecommunications spacecraft may be ejected in the near future.
Piloted flight soon?
Western space watchers speculate as to the timing of the first piloted Shenzhou liftoff.
Qi Faren, chief designer of the Shenzhou 3 spaceship, and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told the People's Daily that Shenzhou 4 is to be similar to the most recent test flight. However, the now-being-readied vehicle will house far more science experiments, he said.
Depending on the success of the next test, Western space officials see a piloted Shenzhou 5 possibly flying into space in early 2003 - or, more certainly, a Shenzhou 6 crew rocketing into orbit later next year.
Clark said that China's first foray into human space travel would likely involve a two or three-person crew.
In its step-by-step human spaceflight initiative, China orbited Shenzhou 1 in November 1999, with Shenzhou 2 being lofted in January 2001.
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