The assembling of Shenzhou VI has been finished and judging from current progress it is hopefully to be launched in Autumn. While attending the Third Session of the 10th National People's Congress Zhou Hongling said the test of Shenzhou VI before it leaves factory is progressing smoothly. Key systems such as the propelling module, power supply system and monitoring, control and communication for astronauts' safe return developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology will play an important role in spaceship's overall operation.

The propelling module, return module and orbit module each have their own complete propelling systems. Zhou Hongling said the Shanghai Spaceflight Power Machinery Institute she works for is responsible for developing the propelling system and providing a reliable and powerful "heart" for the spaceship. Experts in Shanghai have tackled key technologies such as the steady combustion in the thrust chamber through repeated tests so as to ensure the steady and reliable operation of the power system.

The monitoring, control and communication system jointly developed by Shanghai is the only channel through which the spaceship communicates with the ground once in the space. It is mainly used to keep track of the orbit, monitor the operation of internal equipment and the external operation. It can also avert sudden outside interference. Apart from data transmission the spaceship is also equipped with short-wave, ultrashort-wave, S-waveband, C-waveband and various other wavebands of different frequencies to conduct two-way transmission. "It is like the Shanghai space workers furnish the spaceship with a reliable heart, highly sensitive eyes, mouth and ears", said Zhou Hongling.

By People's Daily Online