<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-26/China-s-Shenzhou-19-crewed-mission-Full-system-drill-conducted-1y10KmKPqV2/img/fa5da6db106c4ddb8c1a12fad3e3b298/fa5da6db106c4ddb8c1a12fad3e3b298.jpeg' alt='The combination of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket completed a full-system drill at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, northwest China, October 26, 2024. /CFP'
A full-system drill was conducted on Saturday for China’s upcoming Shenzhou-19 crewed mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The joint test aimed to verify the reliability and safety of each system for the launch, which will send a new crew of three Chinese astronauts, or taikonauts, to the country’s orbiting space station.
Under unified coordination at the launch center, the launch tower, rocket, spaceship and other subsystems underwent functional checks followed by a complete process simulation, which covered flight preparation, ignition, liftoff and rocket-spaceship separation.
The three taikonauts of the Shenzhou-19 mission participated in the full-system drill, simulating the entire flight mission step-by-step. After entering the spaceship’s return capsule, they conducted joint inspections and tests involving the crew, spacecraft, rocket and ground systems, completing all key operations for both the standby and liftoff phases during the simulated launch.
According to Xing Lei from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, the crew members are in a good condition during the entire exercise. “Their commands were precise and their operations highly skilled, showcasing strong teamwork among the taikonauts and smooth coordination with ground staff.”
“Following this, the taikonauts entered the final stage of pre-mission preparation, which will focus on medical monitoring and continued skills training,” Xing told the China Media Group.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-10-26/China-s-Shenzhou-19-crewed-mission-Full-system-drill-conducted-1y10KmKPqV2/img/72ce0876bd52456ea99d274d79f9656a/72ce0876bd52456ea99d274d79f9656a.jpeg' alt='Under unified coordination at the launch center, the launch tower, rocket, spacecraft and subsystems underwent functional checks followed by a full simulation covering flight preparation, ignition, liftoff and rocket-spaceship separation, northwest China, October 26, 2024. /CFP'
Since entering the launch site, the astronaut system has primarily focused on inspecting and testing astronaut equipment and supplies, including space food, as well as assessing the cabin’s gas and microbial environment. They have also conducted cell culture for aerospace research, performed functional tests on previously installed spacecraft equipment and managed the filling and refilling of gaseous and liquid working fluids.
The combination of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket was transferred to the launch area on October 22. According to the China Manned Space Agency, all equipment is in good condition and subsequent pre-launch functional inspections and joint tests will proceed as planned. The launch is expected to take place in the following days.
