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神舟弦鸣不辍 天地共谱长歌——写在神舟二十一号载人飞船成功发射之际
Xin Hua Wang·2025-10-31 16:37

Core Points - The successful launch of the Shenzhou 21 manned spacecraft marks a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts, with three astronauts safely sent to the Tiangong space station [1][2] - This mission is part of China's ongoing commitment to becoming a "space power," as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan [3][4] Launch Details - The Shenzhou 21 spacecraft was launched on October 31, 2025, at 23:44, using the Long March 2F rocket, which has a near-Earth orbit carrying capacity of approximately 8.6 tons [1][5][6] - This launch is the sixth manned flight during the application and development phase of the space station and the 37th flight mission since the initiation of China's manned space program [1] Historical Context - Since the inception of the manned space program, 28 astronauts have completed 44 missions into space, reflecting China's growing capabilities in space exploration [3][17] - The Long March rocket family has seen a significant increase in launch frequency, with the time taken to reach each milestone of 100 launches decreasing dramatically over the years, indicating advancements in China's space technology [7][8] Future Plans - The upcoming 2024-2050 National Space Science Medium and Long-Term Development Plan aims to further enhance China's space capabilities and research initiatives [12] - The commercial space sector in China is also developing rapidly, completing a full industrial chain from satellite manufacturing to launch services [13][14] Scientific Research - The Shenzhou 21 mission will focus on various scientific experiments, including the effects of microgravity on biological organisms, which could provide insights into human life sciences [21][25] - The space station is expected to conduct research in multiple fields, including microgravity physics, space astronomy, and material science, contributing to technological advancements [25][26] Educational Impact - The space program has inspired a new generation, with initiatives like space lectures reaching students across China, fostering interest in science and technology [27][28] - The collaboration with international partners, including plans to train astronauts from other countries, highlights China's commitment to global cooperation in space exploration [29][30]