Core Points - The Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft was successfully launched by the Long March 7 Yao-10 rocket, marking a significant achievement in China's space logistics [1] - The cargo weight of Tianzhou-9 reached approximately 6.5 tons, setting a new record for cargo transport to the space station, which will support long-term operations and astronaut residency [1] Group 1 - The Tianzhou-9 mission included two sets of upgraded extravehicular spacesuits, with an extended lifespan from 3 years and 15 missions to 4 years and 20 missions [3] - Three new cell biology experiment samples were sent aboard, focusing on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, heart failure cells, and humanized vascular organ models for aging research [5] - A core muscle exercise device was included in the mission, designed to prevent muscle atrophy during long-duration flights and improve astronauts' re-adaptation to gravity [6] Group 2 - The total amount of space food sent with Tianzhou-9 exceeded 1.5 tons, with nearly 30 new dishes added, increasing the total variety to over 190 and extending the food supply cycle from 7 days to 10 days [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft is set to deliver two new sets of extravehicular space suits, with an extended design life from 3 years and 15 uses to 4 years and 20 uses, reflecting advancements in safety and efficiency in China's space program [1][3]. Group 1: Space Suit Design and Functionality - The extravehicular space suit is a critical piece of equipment for astronauts during spacewalks, ensuring their safety and operational efficiency [3]. - The second-generation "Feitian" space suit has seen comprehensive improvements in lifespan, safety reliability, operational efficiency, and maintenance testing capabilities [5]. Group 2: Lifespan Extension and Cost Efficiency - The extension of the space suit's lifespan aims to maximize its operational effectiveness in orbit while reducing engineering costs [7]. - The research team is tasked with conducting lifespan assessments and developing a health monitoring and lifespan evaluation system for the space suits, identifying weaknesses to facilitate future upgrades [7].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming extravehicular activity of the Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew highlights the advanced technology and critical functions of the "Feitian" spacesuit, which serves as a life support and operational system in the harsh environment of outer space [1][3]. Group 1: Spacesuit Technology - The extravehicular suit is essentially a small manned spacecraft that provides life support and operational capabilities for astronauts in the vacuum of space [3]. - The suit features a gas-tight layer that maintains approximately 40 kPa pressure to simulate a pure oxygen environment, protecting against vacuum threats [4]. - It incorporates a multi-layer thermal structure and a water sublimation system, with up to six layers that reflect 90% of solar radiation and regulate internal temperature, crucial for managing the heat generated by astronauts [4]. Group 2: Life Support Systems - The prominent "backpack" of the spacesuit consists of two parts: the external suit's backpack structure and a large auxiliary pack, which includes primary and backup oxygen tanks and batteries, essential for life support and environmental control [5]. - This system ensures a continuous supply of oxygen while absorbing exhaled carbon dioxide, maintaining a fresh air environment for the astronaut [5]. - The backpack also features a temperature control system with a water tank and sublimation system to dissipate metabolic heat, functioning as an emergency toolkit for pressure adjustment, power supply, and communication [5]. Group 3: Significance and Impact - The "Feitian" spacesuit represents the culmination of Chinese aerospace engineering and innovation, symbolizing the nation's commitment to advancing human space exploration [5]. - Weighing approximately 130 kilograms on Earth, the suit allows astronauts to operate flexibly in the weightless environment of space, showcasing the effectiveness of its design [5]. - The suit not only serves as a protective gear but also embodies the technological prowess and determination of China's space program as it ventures deeper into the cosmos [5].

Core Points - The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft is scheduled for launch on April 24, 2023, with a crew consisting of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, marking Chen Dong's return as commander after two years [1][3] - This mission is the fifth manned flight during the space station application and development phase and the 35th flight of the manned space program, focusing on in-orbit crew rotation, scientific experiments, and cargo operations [3][5] - The launch coincides with the 10th "China Space Day," adding significance to the mission as it celebrates the 55th anniversary of the successful launch of China's first artificial satellite, Dongfanghong-1 [5][6] Mission Objectives - The primary objectives include conducting scientific experiments, performing extravehicular activities, and installing space debris protection devices [3][10] - The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft will autonomously dock with the Tianhe core module approximately 6.5 hours after launch, forming a combination of three spacecraft and three modules [3][10] Crew and Training - The crew members Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie are participating in their first flight, with backgrounds as an Air Force pilot and an engineer from the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, respectively [1][3] - The fourth batch of astronauts has been undergoing training since August 2024, with plans for them to join flight crews in the near future [8][13] Scientific Experiments - The Shenzhou-20 mission will conduct three life science experiments involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces, focusing on the effects of microgravity on biological processes [9][10] - The previous Shenzhou-19 mission successfully implemented 88 projects across various scientific fields, including space life sciences and microgravity physics, achieving significant milestones [6][10] Future Plans - The manned lunar mission preparations are progressing well, with various components like the Long March 10 rocket and the Dream Chaser spacecraft under development [11][12] - There are ongoing discussions for international collaboration, including the selection of Pakistani astronauts to participate in missions aboard the Chinese space station [13]