On October 22, the Shenzhou 19 spacecraft and its launch vehicle were transported to the launch site, with liftoff planned for the near future. On October 26, the launch facility conducted a comprehensive system-wide drill, aimed at verifying the reliability and safety of all systems involved in the launch process.
The drill at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center involved participation from all positions within the monitoring and control systems. Under unified management, functional checks were conducted for subsystems, including the launch tower, rocket, and spacecraft. The entire flight sequence was simulated, from launch preparation and ignition to the separation of the spacecraft from the rocket. The three astronauts of Shenzhou 19 simulated their flight duties, entering the spacecraft’s return capsule to conduct joint checks and tests with ground control, ensuring every critical operation was performed.
Xing Lei from the China Astronaut Research and Training Center commented on the exercise, stating, “The astronauts maintained an excellent condition throughout the drill. Their commands were precise, and their operations were adept. There was a great synergy between ground command and the astronauts, as well as among the astronauts themselves. Following the drill, they transitioned into the final preparation phase, focusing on medical monitoring and ongoing skill training.”
Since arriving at the launch site, the astronaut team has been rigorously testing and inspecting their equipment, including pressure suits and space food. They’ve also assessed the cabin environment for gases and microbes, conducted cell culture experiments, and tested the functionality of pre-installed equipment, along with fueling operations.
Currently, the Chinese space station’s modules and all associated systems are functioning normally, while the three astronauts from Shenzhou 18 are in good spirits, preparing to welcome the Shenzhou 19 crew. Meanwhile, recovery operations for the return of Shenzhou 18 are in progress.
In terms of meteorological preparations, weather conditions significantly impact key factors like vertical transport, fuel loading, and launch windows. As the Shenzhou 19 launch approaches, the meteorological team at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has intensified monitoring and forecasting efforts.
Accurate weather data is crucial for precise forecasting. Weather balloons, essential for high-altitude atmospheric observations, are routinely deployed to gather data on temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed at various heights. During the launch day, weather balloons will be launched multiple times to gather real-time data that meteorologists will analyze to inform decisions.
Ren Fengjie, a meteorologist at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, stated, “Since autumn began, we have noticed some unusual weather patterns. September saw a record number of rainy days, and temperatures have been higher than normal since mid-October. We are currently monitoring a cold front in Siberia and active typhoon activity along the southeastern coast.”
To mitigate adverse conditions that could affect the launch, meteorological staff commenced preparations a month in advance, checking crucial equipment and conducting analyses of historical weather trends for October and November in the past decade. This has ensured timely and accurate weather forecasts to support mission command.
Ren noted, “After thorough accumulation of meteorological data and analysis of numerical forecasting products, we believe the weather conditions are favorable for the launch window, meeting the minimum criteria required for the mission.”
In terms of safety, the monitoring and control system is vital for overseeing the spacecraft’s status, serving as a critical communication channel between the ground and the vehicle during launch, flight, and mission completion. Jiuquan’s monitoring and control point is the first to track the Shenzhou spacecraft post-launch.
Wei Yi from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center explained, “During the mission, all monitoring equipment performs real-time tracking of the rocket. Captured data is transmitted here, and after optical tracking is complete, three-dimensional imagery displays the flight status, aiding decision-making.”
To ensure precision and prompt data dissemination, extensive emergency plans were developed, complemented by numerous task simulations and response drills aimed at enhancing team coordination and operational familiarity.
In the monitoring area, maintaining stable and accurate tracking of the rocket requires that each operator achieve “millimeter-level” precision.
All Gang from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center elaborated, “Targeted training, involving simulations and semi-realistic drills, has been instituted to improve the timeliness and accuracy of target acquisition. This not only boosts the operators’ confidence but also reinforces steadiness during actual operations.”
The fixed single-pulse radar measurement devices, as a crucial source of information for safe aerospace launches, guide other monitoring equipment in tracking. As the space program evolves, the radar systems at the monitoring facility have undergone three upgrades, including the incorporation of automated testing technologies.
Gang further stated, “We have upgraded our frequency tuning tubes and computational components, increasing reliability, data sampling rates, and processing power, significantly enhancing tracking stability and measurement precision.”
Since preparations began, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center’s monitoring and control area has conducted assessments and reviews, ensuring compliance with technical requirements and readiness for mission execution.
