Following the success of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft, China is planning to send three astronauts into space within the next two years. This plan aims to establish an orbital space station and a mission to the Moon.
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The astronaut from Shenzhou VI steps out of the spacecraft |
Last month, China successfully completed its second crewed space mission aboard the Shenzhou VI, and is currently developing a series of new spacecraft from Shenzhou VII to Shenzhou X.
The Shenzhou VII spacecraft is set to carry three astronauts into space, expected to launch within the next two years. Meanwhile, Shenzhou VIII and IX will only transport equipment for the orbital space station project. Shenzhou X will undertake the mission of sending humans to conduct research at the space station.
According to Beijing News, China is also developing a rocket capable of carrying a payload of 25 tons into space.
China conducted its first crewed space flight in 2003 with Shenzhou V, joining the ranks of countries capable of sending humans into space. China has been launching its ambitious space program with a relatively modest budget: the total cost of the Shenzhou program is around $2.3 billion, a small fraction compared to the $16 billion spent by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in just 2005.
TIENG VY (According to Xinhua)
