Shenzhou-11 heads off for the Tiangong-2, carrying 2 astronauts on board

The Tiangong-2  space station represented the latest attempt by Chinese National Space Administration(CNSA) to steal a march over its Western rivals. Speculations about the CNSA’s loss of control over its predecessor, the Tiangong-1, receded into the background on Monday, the 17th of August, 2016, when the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft blasted off towards the shuttle carrying 2 astronauts, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia. Chinese premier Xi Jinping hailed the launch as yet another realization of the country’s technological aspirations.

Western experts have repeatedly downplayed China’s achievements in space science, emphasizing that the Tiangong-2 is an experimental space station. Currently, the Tiangong-1 and 2, and the ISS (International Space Station) are the only large-scale experimental space platforms in operation. The ISS is a much bigger and more advanced platform than either of the Chinese stations.
However, that the Tiangong series’ sophistication  is now beyond dispute, since astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong are soon about to board the station to conduct scientific experiments.

Experiments in a number of diverse fields will be carried out. These include studying quantum communications and cosmic rays to biophysical experiments, such as the rate of growth of plant life in space, and the impact of space travel upon the human body.

49-year old Haipeng and 37-year old Dong are both experienced cosmonauts who are well placed to carry out these pioneering studies. Both astronauts have an illustrious career; Haipeng became the first Chinese man to complete two trips into outer space when he commanded the Shenzhou 9 project in 2009. He was also the commander of the first manned mission to Tiangong 1, which lasted from 16th-29th June 2012. This mission also featured the first Chinese woman to reach outer space, Liu Yang. The Shenzhou 11 mission will be a special one for Haipeng, as he will be celebrating his 50th birthday during the mission.

Both Haipeng and Dong are former fighter pilots in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force(PLAAF). Dong was selected after a gruelling training programme that saw him pass 58 major aerospace exams in just 2 years. In addition, the former PLAAF pilots also studied physics, chemistry and even human biology extensively, which proves that immense dedication and ability is needed in order to produce pioneering achievements.

The two astronauts will stay on board the station for 33 days, far exceeding the Tiangong 1’s capability to host humans for only 13 days. The Shenzhou 11 will contain provisions making the 33-day long stay possible.

Independent observers believe that the next CNSA space station, the Tiangong-3, will be a fully-fledged experimental laboratory and a “home away from home”, capable of hosting astronauts throughout the year like its rival, the ISS.

Many media outlets across the world express concern at China’s rising aerospace capabilities, even as the CNSA steadfastly denies that its projects are used for military purposes. Nevertheless, the launch is a pioneering achievement for space science as a whole, and thus, Eclipse Technoconsulting Global (P) Ltd., a leading software development company in Kolkata, India, congratulates China. We know full well that many national governments won’t-but we will still let you follow this nerve-racking rivalry at #eclipseindia or Eclipsetech12.