Chinese astronauts start testing new space station module (video)

Fourteen of China’s Shenzhou astronauts are taking the necessary steps to be sure that over the next ten years, their space station module will be ready to host crews.

On July 24th, Wentian was launched, and it subsequently docked with the Tianhe core module. This now gives the Tiangong space station two modules.

The astronauts are now spending their time getting Wentian to working order. This includes testing its robotic arm, as well as installing a life support system.

Key Takeaways:

• The crew members are testing the module’s robotic arm and installing a regenerative life support system.
• The robotic arm will be used for exterior maintenance and for supporting spacewalks.
• When testing is complete, the crew will conduct a spacewalk and host a live-streamed science lecture.

“China’s Shenzhou 14 mission astronauts are getting the country’s new space station module ready to host crews over the next decade.”

Read more: https://www.space.com/china-shenzhou-14-astronauts-test-space-station-module

Reference:

• Space.com (Website)