Shenzhou 6 Orbital Module Still Working In Space

DRAGON SPACE

Beijing (XNA) Oct 21, 2005
The Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center has changed the orbiting altitude of the Shenzhou-6 capsule. This will allow the orbital module to continue working in space for six more months, during which a series of experiments will be carried out.

The center fired the orbital module's engines two times. The capsule then found its target altitude of 355 kilometers above the earth.

The new path is quite different from the previous orbiting altitude around the earth, and will allow the craft to be much more flexible in space. The capsule will change its position as it orbits the earth, so its solar energy battery will always be facing the sun.

Liu Junze, Aircraft Controlling Office Director, Beijing Aerospace Command & Control Center, said, "This is an important event that will test the capability of the orbital module, to keep working for a long time in space. It will also lay the foundation for space station designs in the future."

According to the plan, the capsule will have to change its altitude several times in the next six months.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

DRAGON SPACE

More Room For Shenzhou

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 20, 2005
Apart from an increase in the crew size and flight time, the most significant advancement of the Shenzhou 6 mission was the use of the Orbital Module. At last, China's astronauts could enjoy the additional living space this cylindrical unit provides.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.