|
BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Twenty-two minutes after Shenzhou-5 entered
its pre-set orbit Wednesday, it unfolded its solar panels on the first order
from the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center, Xinhua has learned.
The order was radioed to the spacecraft via Yuanwang-2 measuring vessel in
the south Pacific Ocean.
During its 21-hour flight, the spacecraft will receive from thecenter ten
digitized commands detailing instructions on its maneuvers in the outer space.
Liu Chengjun, 31, and Hong Chunhui, 26, sitting in the terminalroom
shielded with large glasses at the Beijing center, are responsible for the input
of these orders. The flight schedule hadbeen put into the computer system of
Shenzhou-5 before the spacecraft took off, but Liu and Hong have to readjust it
by deleting the old data and putting in new data in response to real-time
changes during the flight, particularly during the first and fifth orbits.
The second and third inputs of the schedule will be done by themeasuring
and control stations in Kashi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Weinan in
Shaanxi Province, during the craft's second round of orbital maneuver. This is
meant to ensure that in case of need, Shenzhou-5 can make an emergency return
during the third and fourth orbits.
Data sent to the space vehicle during the first eight orbits will ensure
that the craft can make an emergency return during each orbit. During the fifth
orbit, the spaceship will adjust itself to a circular orbit from the previous
elliptical one, with data it receives during the third orbit.
The last two data inputs are key to the safety of the home-coming craft.
Commands before and during the return will be given from a measuring and control
station in Namibia, when Shenzhou-5 makes the ninth circle round the Earth.
The last order, from the Weinan station, will amend the return data to
ensure accuracy of the spacecraft's landing.
All the data are programmed by computer automatically, but Liu and his
colleague have to compare them with the flight schedule carefully, in light of
the specific timing and sequence of the commands. Enditem |