轻舟货运飞船计划今年试飞

Core Viewpoint - The debut of the "Qingzhou" cargo spacecraft at the Shanghai Expo marks a significant advancement in China's commercial spaceflight capabilities, with plans for its first flight this year and operational readiness for cargo transport to the Chinese space station by next year [1]. Group 1: Key Features of Qingzhou - Qingzhou weighs approximately 5 tons, with an upward capacity of over 1.8 tons and a downward capacity of 2 tons [1]. - The spacecraft features an integrated single-module design that enhances space utilization, with a cargo compartment volume of 27 cubic meters and a loading capacity of about 9 cubic meters, including 40 cargo slots across four shelves [1]. - The design allows for compatibility with various rocket types, facilitating rapid launch capabilities [1]. Group 2: Cost and Efficiency - The "ship-rocket integration" design, developed in collaboration with the rocket manufacturer, reduces the launch site process to 28 days, which is 22 days faster than conventional methods, significantly lowering time costs [1]. - Qingzhou is expected to conduct 2 to 3 launches per year, primarily transporting fresh supplies and daily necessities, as well as emergency materials and waste [1]. Group 3: Cold Chain and Smart Features - A notable feature of Qingzhou is its cold chain transportation capability, which can accommodate up to 300 liters, enhancing the freshness of supplies for astronauts by increasing capacity ninefold compared to conventional cargo spacecraft [2]. - The spacecraft is equipped with intelligent systems for cargo identification, positioning, and management, allowing astronauts to quickly locate needed items through voice interaction, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operational risks [2].