CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
On April 24, 2025, China is set to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. This mission coincides with China's celebration of its 10th Space Day, a milestone that highlights its accomplishments in space exploration. The crew of Shenzhou-20 will replace the Shenzhou-19 astronauts and will be involved in several scientific experiments during their time in space.
Mission Goals
The primary objective of the Shenzhou-20 mission is to rotate the crew aboard the Tiangong space station. The astronauts will engage in a variety of scientific experiments, install a device to protect the space station from debris, and perform extravehicular activities (spacewalks). Additionally, the mission will involve biological research, including studies on regeneration and other biological processes in space, using subjects such as zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces.
Significance Of Space Day
April 24 is recognized as Space Day in China, commemorating the launch of China’s first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, in 1970. This day is a symbol of China’s ongoing commitment to space exploration and serves as an opportunity to encourage public interest in space science and technology.
The Future Of China’s Space Programme
The Shenzhou-20 mission marks the 35th mission in China’s manned space program. As the Tiangong space station continues to evolve, it is anticipated to become the only operational space station in orbit once the International Space Station (ISS) is retired. Excluded from participation in the ISS due to military concerns, China has been rapidly advancing its own space capabilities.
International Collaborations And Relations
China’s space initiatives, while impressive, have generated global concerns regarding their potential military uses. However, China has sought to expand international collaboration, with growing partnerships with countries such as Pakistan. Astronauts from Hong Kong and Macau are also expected to take part in future missions, underscoring China’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in space exploration.
Tiangong Space Station Overview
"Tiangong," meaning "Heavenly Palace" in Chinese, is China’s first modular space station, developed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Located in low Earth orbit (LEO), Tiangong became operational in 2021 and is expected to function until at least 2028. The station is smaller than the ISS, consisting of three modules:
Tianhe (Core Module) – launched in April 2021.
Wentian and Mengtian (Laboratory Modules) – launched in 2022.
Despite being smaller than the ISS, which has 16 modules, Tiangong is fully equipped with independent systems for power, propulsion, life support, and living facilities. Additionally, Tiangong operates in the same orbit as the Xuntian space telescope, allowing astronauts to perform maintenance and upgrades on the telescope.
China is the third country, after the United States and Russia, to send humans into space and to build its own space station, solidifying its position as a significant player in space exploration.
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