China has successfully launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, marking the third mission since the country's space station entered its application and development phase. The Shenzhou-18 shares the same design as its predecessors, Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-17, with significant upgrades.
According to Chen Tongxiang from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), the spacecraft comprises an orbital module, a re-entry module, and a propellant module, all consistent with previous technological designs. \"From the general technical state, there are the orbital module, the re-entry module, and the propellant module. And there are solar panels and the engines. They are consistent with the previous technological designs,\" Chen explained.
The most notable improvement in Shenzhou-18 is the upgrade of its batteries. The traditional cadmium-nickel batteries have been replaced with lighter and smaller lithium batteries, offering a longer lifespan and enhanced efficiency. \"As a manned vehicle, the Shenzhou spacecraft requires the highest safety and reliability. The upgrade to the battery has been fully verified in our space station, cargo ships, and other spacecraft,\" Chen noted.
Additionally, Shenzhou-18 includes minor modifications that provide more space for conducting space science experiments, further supporting China's ambitions in space research and exploration.
Reference(s):
China Space Station: Features of Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft
cgtn.com
