China is making waves in the maritime and space sectors with two significant advancements this week. The nation's first self-built ultra-deepwater drillship, named Mengxiang (meaning 'dream'), embarked on its trial voyage in Guangzhou City. This state-of-the-art vessel boasts the world’s leading ocean drilling capabilities, positioning China at the forefront of deepwater exploration.
The Mengxiang drillship is equipped to handle some of the most challenging underwater drilling operations, enabling China to explore and harness deepwater resources more effectively. This development is a testament to China's growing expertise and ambition in marine engineering and energy exploration.
In parallel, the Shenzhou-17 mission aboard China’s space station Tiangong is reaching a pivotal moment. The crew, currently orbiting Earth and nearing one-third of their six-month mission, is set to conduct their first extravehicular activities (EVAs) in the coming days. These spacewalks are crucial for the maintenance and expansion of the Tiangong space station, demonstrating China’s continued commitment to advancing its space exploration capabilities.
The successful launch of the Mengxiang drillship and the upcoming EVAs by the Shenzhou-17 crew highlight China's dual focus on strengthening its maritime infrastructure and expanding its presence in space. These achievements not only bolster China's technological prowess but also contribute to global advancements in energy and space sectors.
Reference(s):
China Quick Take: Ultra deepwater drillship, rare cat sighting and Oppo success
cgtn.com
