Full System Simulation Exercises for Shenzhou-20 Spacecraft Underway: Key Enhancements Over Shenzhou-19
20 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
The combined spacecraft and rocket for the Shenzhou-20 mission was transferred to the launch area on April 16th. A launch is scheduled in the coming days, with all units currently conducting full system simulation exercises at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center under unified scheduling.
These simulations involve personnel from every position within the measurement and launching systems of the center, encompassing functional checks of subsystems such as tower structures, rockets, and spacecraft. The process meticulously simulates flight preparation through ignition, takeoff, and separation between ship and rocket.
The testing and launch processes have been optimized with 'technology + procedures' breakthroughs for this manned spaceflight mission, prioritizing high reliability and safety—standards that Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has continuously improved upon throughout the test phase and beyond.
Compared to the Shenzhou-19 rocket system, over twenty improvements were implemented in the current iteration, covering manufacturing processes, data transmission, and enhanced reliability.
Qiao Liquing of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center stated that additional cameras have been incorporated into the rockets this time around, significantly enhancing video resolution to full HD format for improved monitoring of flight status.
As part of an ongoing effort to build a 'smart measurement-launch line,' Jiuquan has focused on optimizing processes at Dongfeng launch center’s digital intelligence control room. Here, over 200 thousand device parameters and thousands of image resources are managed within intelligent command management systems for space launches—controlling everything from rocket entry into the site until ignition.
Hu Yonggang added that a comprehensive plan library covering critical systems such as rockets, launch sites, and ground-to-space communications has been constructed. This year marks the first use of a digital accompaniment system for rockets, which visualizes key processes like total inspection and full-system rehearsal to provide real-time data interpretation.
The aerospace industry thrives on collaboration—a concept highlighted by China’s focus on talent as a core element in its high-quality development within space exploration. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has prioritized the selection, deployment, training of personnel through missions, fostering comprehensive innovative scientific and technological teams with multiple initiatives while ensuring fair evaluation.
Zhao Lei noted that the center's systematic approach to intensive group training, specialized skill refinement, mission-specific drills, and standardized assessments at their Training Base have significantly reduced participants’ learning curve by more than half.
The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center's Comprehensive Training Center is cultivating a technically proficient measurement-launch team through full-process simulation exercises and cross-professional collaboration.
He Pengju emphasized that the training center has enhanced theoretical teaching methods, incorporating practical demonstrations—such as using recovered rocket debris to illustrate principles—to improve understanding.
These simulations involve personnel from every position within the measurement and launching systems of the center, encompassing functional checks of subsystems such as tower structures, rockets, and spacecraft. The process meticulously simulates flight preparation through ignition, takeoff, and separation between ship and rocket.
The testing and launch processes have been optimized with 'technology + procedures' breakthroughs for this manned spaceflight mission, prioritizing high reliability and safety—standards that Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has continuously improved upon throughout the test phase and beyond.
Compared to the Shenzhou-19 rocket system, over twenty improvements were implemented in the current iteration, covering manufacturing processes, data transmission, and enhanced reliability.
Qiao Liquing of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center stated that additional cameras have been incorporated into the rockets this time around, significantly enhancing video resolution to full HD format for improved monitoring of flight status.
As part of an ongoing effort to build a 'smart measurement-launch line,' Jiuquan has focused on optimizing processes at Dongfeng launch center’s digital intelligence control room. Here, over 200 thousand device parameters and thousands of image resources are managed within intelligent command management systems for space launches—controlling everything from rocket entry into the site until ignition.
Hu Yonggang added that a comprehensive plan library covering critical systems such as rockets, launch sites, and ground-to-space communications has been constructed. This year marks the first use of a digital accompaniment system for rockets, which visualizes key processes like total inspection and full-system rehearsal to provide real-time data interpretation.
The aerospace industry thrives on collaboration—a concept highlighted by China’s focus on talent as a core element in its high-quality development within space exploration. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has prioritized the selection, deployment, training of personnel through missions, fostering comprehensive innovative scientific and technological teams with multiple initiatives while ensuring fair evaluation.
Zhao Lei noted that the center's systematic approach to intensive group training, specialized skill refinement, mission-specific drills, and standardized assessments at their Training Base have significantly reduced participants’ learning curve by more than half.
The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center's Comprehensive Training Center is cultivating a technically proficient measurement-launch team through full-process simulation exercises and cross-professional collaboration.
He Pengju emphasized that the training center has enhanced theoretical teaching methods, incorporating practical demonstrations—such as using recovered rocket debris to illustrate principles—to improve understanding.