Asapects of the Shenzhou and its history

[JonClarke]

The April issue of “Spaceflight” has an interesting article on the development of the Shenzhou spacecraft. It was written by Chen Lan and is on pages 137-144.<br /><br />Chinese interest in human spaceflight began in 1966 with a Gemini type spacecraft as Project 714. This was abandoned at some time in the late 70’s because of changing priorities.<br /><br />In 1986 the Chinese recommenced studies of human spaceflight as Project 863. There were two components, a space station and launcher (863-205) and a manned spacecraft (863-204). By June 1988 six different spacecraft designs were reviewed. Five of these were spaceplanes and one a capsule. In July that year the capsule and one spaceplane (Tian Jao) were selected. The capsule design underwent final selection sometime in 1989. <br /><br />The capsule that became the Shenzhou (poetically “Celestial Vessel”, prosaically “Space ship”) was developed by the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST). Three different configurations were considered in 1990-1991, a Soyuz-like three-module configuration, a two-module version without the orbital module, and a version where the orbital module sat beneath the descent module, accessed by a hard tunnel on the side. The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology ( SAST) and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), who had previously submitted unsuccessful spaceplane designs also submitted capsule studies. The CALT capsule had an orbital module that was capable of a 180 independent mission, the brainchild of Ren Xinmin. During this period there were technical personnel exchanges with Russia. The Soyuz-like CAST design was selected in November 1991 with the CAST independent orbital module.<br /><br />In September 1992 the Chinese government formally approved Project 921, its manned spaceflight program. The goal was for a first flight in 1999, a human in space in 2002. Other goals were an 8-tonne mini spacestation in 2007 and a 20 tonne modular station after 2010. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

Thanks Jon, that was very interesting. The Shenzhou really is a completely new spacecraft, not just a modified Soyuz!

 

[JonClarke]

Indeed, any similarities are skin deep are basically just a reflection of the inherent soundness of the Soyuz style configuration. It was considered for Apollo as well and for at least one version of the proposed CEV.<br /><br />Jon <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>