Core Viewpoint - The Hefei Deep Space Science City Phase I project has entered a new stage of main structure construction with the successful installation of a 25.5-meter-long, 6.5-ton steel column, marking significant progress in the project timeline [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The project covers an area of approximately 101 acres with a total construction area of about 26,000 square meters [1] - It includes a spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing center (AIT), along with supporting facilities and surrounding outdoor landscapes [1] Group 2: Structural Details - The main and secondary steel structures of the project weigh around 4,000 tons, consisting of a total of 127 steel columns [1] - The maximum height of the eaves reaches 33 meters, and the maximum span of the roof truss is 44 meters, presenting challenges in construction due to heavy components and large spans [1] Group 3: Functional Significance - The main factory area is designed to include various functional zones for spacecraft component processing, assembly integration, performance testing, and environmental simulation tests [1] - Upon completion of the first phase, the project is expected to significantly enhance the comprehensive support capabilities for spacecraft assembly, testing, and ground environment verification, laying a solid foundation for future deep space exploration missions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The new generation cargo spacecraft "Light Boat" has completed several key technology validations and is set for its maiden flight next year, designed specifically for China's space station as a "space courier" [1][2]. Group 1: Technical Features - The "Light Boat" spacecraft weighs approximately 5 tons and features a cargo hold with a four-layer shelf layout, accommodating 40 standard cargo slots with a total loading volume of 9 cubic meters and an overall cargo hold volume of 27 cubic meters, meeting diverse transportation needs for the space station [1]. - It incorporates an intelligent cargo transport management system that allows astronauts to quickly locate required items through voice interaction, significantly enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing on-orbit workload [1]. - The spacecraft is equipped with a modular "space refrigerator," with individual cold chain boxes of 60 liters that can be combined for a maximum total volume of 300 liters, capable of precise temperature adjustments for stable preservation during transport [1]. Group 2: Economic and Operational Efficiency - The "Light Boat" employs an integrated single-cabin design that reduces its size and enhances space utilization, allowing compatibility with various rocket types for rapid launches [2]. - The current transportation cost is approximately 100,000 yuan per kilogram, with expectations for further reductions through mass production and deepening commercial partnerships [2]. - The spacecraft features both "door-to-door delivery" and "pick-up" capabilities, enabling it to transport waste from the space station back to Earth for atmospheric destruction, thus achieving a closed-loop transport system [2]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The addition of the "Light Boat" will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of material supply for China's space station, serving as a backup for cargo transport [2]. - The research unit has previously achieved success with projects like the Beidou navigation satellite and dark matter particle detection satellite, marking a new breakthrough in modular spacecraft and rapid response technology [2]. - The "Light Boat" is positioned to inject new momentum into the construction of China's space station, embodying innovation and exploration aspirations [2].