Shenzhou 7 planned launch September 25th

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Very cool, thank you, although it's too bad it's not using a color camera....looks like that microsatellite will be kept near the remaining spacecraft when the re-entry module leaves. <br />Posted by asj2006</DIV></p><p>It certainly is cool!&nbsp; Wasn't a sub satellite with a similar inspection role&nbsp;flown on a space shuttle many years ago?</p> <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>

 

[mopy]

<p>For those who don't already know:</p><p>The landing will be at 5am EST Sunday, today this morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;(5pm China time), You can see it live on CCTV 9 International news (English). You'll need Internet Explorer. Try the link below for starters...&nbsp;</p><p>http://www.cctv.com/english/special/Shenzhou7/01/index.shtml</p>

 

[asj2006]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>It certainly is cool!&nbsp; Wasn't a sub satellite with a similar inspection role&nbsp;flown on a space shuttle many years ago? <br /> Posted by jonclarke</DIV></p><p>Dude, I don't know, you tell me....when I first read about it, I thought that was a cool concept, to have this roving "camera" going around the main space craft. It's too bad they opted for a B&W one. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I read those too...it looks like the Chinese are methodically going about space exploration.I also pulled this article from google news http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080925-china-space.htmlA Zhang Qingwei states quite clearly that china has been trying to cooperate with the USA on a space station but has been repeatedly rebuffed, and that China would therefore do what it can with or without the US.I am a neophyte at this so forgive any wrong assumptions or conclusions, but I think it is a BIG mistake for NASA not to cooperate with China when given the chance. China is pretty obviously an emerging power with tons of cash and a gung-ho, can-do mentality, while the US is currently running out of cash. In the future, more cooperation is the answer,&nbsp; not less. There really is no sense in all the duplication of effort that is being done. Some people might say a competitive climate is good for advancement, but look what the former space race did in the long run - some spectacular stuff for PR purposes but then nothing. I'd prefer a methodical careful approach that yields long term advancement. Dammit, we should have Mars bases by now!!!! ;-)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Posted by asj2006</DIV></p><p>One can hope that future US govrnments, whatever their stripe, will be less paranoid towards China<br /></p> <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>

 

[asj2006]

<p>CCTV9 english-language broadcast about the minisatellite....</p><p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxsrLOPpo1U </p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Dude, I don't know, you tell me....when I first read about it, I thought that was a cool concept, to have this roving "camera" going around the main space craft. It's too bad they opted for a B&W one. <br />Posted by asj2006</DIV></p><p>I am sure there was some sort of floating eyeball tested to visual inspection of spacecraft, it may have been for interiors rather than exteriors.&nbsp; Something similar may have been considered post Columbia to inspect Shuttle tiles, but was rejected in favour of an arm extension.</p><p>Edit - found it! AERCam http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/robots/dn7549&nbsp;- a version called Sprint was flown&nbsp;on STS-87</p><p>Colour pictures would be nice but B&W are obviously good enough, and a lot simpler.</p><p>Jon</p> <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>

 

[bobble_bob]

<p>http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7640301.stm</p><p>A video of the landing is there aswell.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

<p>Interesting black square on the right image below.&nbsp;</p><p><br /> <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/3/10/2380b259-a25c-4dd3-9a14-38cc82dfbff0.Medium.jpg" alt="" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[mopy]

<p>Actually, I think the mini satellite is colour. See the pic below. More pics to follow: Really Coooolll...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><br />www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-1222582533_48067.jpg" alt="" /></font></font></p>

 

[mopy]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184">www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-1222582533_71583.jpg" alt="" /></font></font>

 

[mopy]

<p>The first pics seemed to be black and white coz of the light, I guess. Really nice pics...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"> <br />www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-1222582533_74475.jpg" alt="" /></font></font>

 

[Swampcat]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The first pics seemed to be black and white coz of the light, I guess. Really nice pics...&nbsp; www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-1222582533_74475.jpg&quot; alt="" /> <br /> Posted by mopy</DIV></p><p>The images you posted appear to be colorized B&W, not true color.&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The images you posted appear to be colorized B&W, not true color.&nbsp; <br />Posted by Swampcat</DIV></p><p>Why?<br /></p> <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>

 

[JonClarke]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Interesting black square on the right image below.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br />Posted by Swampcat</DIV></p><p>The left imgae is also lower resolution.&nbsp; Is that the TV image, and the right one from a digital still camera?&nbsp; In that case The black square may be a data drop out, similar to wht you sometimes see in MER images.</p><p>Jon<br /></p> <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>

 

[JonClarke]

<p>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7640301.stm</p><p>After a very busy and successful three days.</p><p>First three-man Shenzhou flight</p><p>First Chinese EVA (two man)</p><p>First use of Chinese EVA suit</p><p>First use of the subsatellite</p><p>I hope they get a nice holiday somewhere, these guys have earned it.</p><p>Jon</p> <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>

 

[asj2006]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The first pics seemed to be black and white coz of the light, I guess. Really nice pics...&nbsp; www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-1222582533_74475.jpg" alt="" /> <br /> Posted by mopy</DIV></p><p>Are those clouds or ice below? I agree, if you look at the animation of the path of the minisatellite, it's at first very close to the ship (the first two photos), then slowly loops above it farther and father (and you get these much better looking photos).</p><p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxsrLOPpo1U </p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>

 

[mopy]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Are those clouds or ice below? I agree, if you look at the animation of the path of the minisatellite, it's at first very close to the ship (the first two photos), then slowly loops above it farther and father (and you get these much better looking photos).http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxsrLOPpo1U &nbsp; <br /> Posted by asj2006</DIV></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Clouds or ice? Good question. When I first saw it I thought clouds but closer examination makes me wonder. It does look a little like ice...thanks for the youtube link, by the way. The path of the satellite is confirmed by the pics... Here's another one...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"> <br />www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-0IGJF9J43EKJCI35KA.jpg" alt="" /></font></font></p>

 

[mopy]

<p>The pics were snatched from a site that said they were gotten from CCTV (Chinese), Sina and DS</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helv" size="2" color="#004184"> <br />www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-0KH4C7CB384BACCGJ34.jpg" alt="" /></font></font></p>

 

[l3p3r]

<p>'Taikonaut' has to be the coolest name ever. </p><p>&nbsp;and IMO China's space suits are really classy</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Congratulations to China and to the cew of&nbsp; <span class="Forums_CurrentPageCrumb">Shenzhou 7!!</span></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[l3p3r]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>One can hope that future US govrnments, whatever their stripe, will be less paranoid towards China <br /> Posted by jonclarke</DIV> Of all the many bewildering and ridiculous things the current US government does, this has to be up there with the worst. It makes no sense, not from a political perspective, not from an economic perspective - no sense at all. It is <em>completely</em> stupid and uncompromisingly irrational.&nbsp; </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Why? <br /> Posted by jonclarke</DIV></p><p>Jon, why not? Use your eyes&nbsp;<img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" />&nbsp;</p><p>A close inspection of individual pixels will show that all colors are within a very small percentage of having equal RGB components. This is characteristic of a colorized image.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>The left imgae is also lower resolution.&nbsp; Is that the TV image, and the right one from a digital still camera?&nbsp; In that case The black square may be a data drop out, similar to wht you sometimes see in MER images.Jon <br /> Posted by jonclarke</DIV></p> <p>Jon, both the left and right images were taken directly from the CCTV English page. I enlarged the left image to match the apparent size of the right image.</p> <p>The black square may indeed be a data dropout similar to those from the MERs. There are differences, but they are probably not significant.</p> <p>Just to be clear, I have no interest in fueling anti-Chinese sentiments. I applaud their achievements in space and look forward to seeing more from them in the future.</p> <p>I simply found it somewhat humorous that with all the talk of Chinese veracity (or lack thereof), there would be a "data dropout" in a published image. Sorry. Perhaps I should have put a wink emoticon in my post for the humor impaired.<img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[asj2006]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>&nbsp;Clouds or ice? Good question. When I first saw it I thought clouds but closer examination makes me wonder. It does look a little like ice...thanks for the youtube link, by the way. The path of the satellite is confirmed by the pics... Here's another one...&nbsp;&nbsp; www.centurychina.com/plaboard/uploads/20080928-0IGJF9J43EKJCI35KA.jpg&quot; alt="" /> <br /> Posted by mopy</DIV></p><p>Great pics, whether black or white, the pics showing the space craft farther away are pretty interesting, more so in fact to me than the space walk itself. They should have launched the minisatellite at the same time as the spacewalk so we could see pics of the space walk as the minsatellite curved outwards, although it would be kinda funny if the thing bumped into the taiko ;-) </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>

 

[3488]

<p><font size="4">Shenzhou 7 crew back safely. Perfect landing.</font></p><p><br /> <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/7/2/77b6f323-86da-4c22-b232-67dda9763d7f.Medium.jpg" alt="" /></p><p><font size="2"><strong>Andrew Brown.&nbsp;</strong></font></p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>

 

[asj2006]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Shenzhou 7 crew back safely. Perfect landing. Andrew Brown.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> Posted by 3488</DIV></p><p>Lotsa photos:</p><p>&nbsp;http://english.cctv.com/english/special/Shenzhou7/04/index.shtml </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p>------------------------------------------- </p><p>"Breathe. This is like most of the choices you have in life. <br />You know inside whether it's right. <br />Whether you do it is up to you." </p><p>From the Tao of Willie Nelson</p> </div>