Launch center upgraded for manned space mission: expert

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, October 14, 2003

Launch center upgraded for manned space mission: expert

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China has upgraded the launch center chargd with sending its first manned spacecraft into the outer space to ensure success of this historic mission, according to a leading expert at the center in northwest China.

The center has since 1999 sent four unpiloted spaceships into space.

"Thanks to the upgrading, our launch site system has become technologically sophisticated," Zhou Jianping, chief designer for the launch site system under China's spaceflight program, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. He said that the center is now "technically readied" for the mission.

A number of new facilities have been built in the center, including a workshop for vertical assembling of the vehicle with the rocket carrier, a launch tower, a command and control center, and an advanced system with four pipes capable of injecting fuel into the rocket and vehicle simultaneously and without leakage.

Unlike a satellite to be launched, Zhou noted, a manned vehiclehas to be assembled, tested and maneuvered vertically for higher efficiency and better working conditions.

"It is of paramount importance to ensure safety of the astronauts during the countdown and take-off," he said, adding that to this end, there are two modes of escape -- an emergency haul off from the platform and escape by a "tractor-rocket" system.

A 14-member rescue team comprising the commander and experts has been formed to pinpoint any possible hitch, and promptly inform the monitoring system or the escape command panel of their finding for final decision. Other emergency facilities include an explosion-proof elevator, an escape slide and a shelter for astronauts.

The launch center is now capable of transferring, assembling, testing and transporting rocket carriers and spacecraft, Zhou said.It is also fitted for projection of space vehicles; commanding, controling, monitoring, displaying and communicating during take-off; organization of rescue during the countdown and take-off; monitoring, measuring and safety control during the take-off; and providing the aerospace command and control center with relevant data and graphs.

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