synonymOrbital module(Space capsule) generally refers to the space capsule (the place where astronauts work and live after the spacecraft enters orbit)
Orbital module, also known as the space capsule, the orbital capsule is the place where astronauts work and live after the spacecraft enters orbit;In addition to living devices such as food, drinking water and feces and urine collectors, there are also instruments for space applications and scientific experimentsequipment。
On the morning of October 31, 2023, the orbital module and return module of Shenzhou 16 manned spacecraft were successfully separated.[3]
On December 6, 2023, Iran successfully launched a biological capsule, which is an important step for Iran to complete its manned space mission.[4]
ShenzhouOrbital moduleIt is a cylinder with a total length of 2.8 meters and a maximum diameter of 2.25 metersReturn capsuleThe other end is connected with the space docking mechanism.The reason why the orbital module of Shenzhou VI is called the "multi-function hall" is that the two astronauts are in the orbital module all the time except for entering the re-entry module during take-off and return.The orbital module integrates many functions such as working, eating, sleeping, washing and convenience.
Escape tower
Keep the spaceship safe
escapeLifesaving tower: Located at the front of the spaceship, 8 meters high.It is actually composed of a series ofrocket engineConstituentSmall launch vehicle。During the period from 900 seconds before launch to 160 seconds after launch.The rocket runs from 0 to 100 kilometers. In case of an emergency, this lifesaving tower will be activated in an emergency“Shenzhou VI”AirshipReturn capsuleandOrbital moduleSeparate from the rocket, quickly escape from dangerous places, and useparachuteLand to safety.
Rail hold
Astronaut's "home"
Orbital module: Also called working cabin.Its shape is a cylinder with cone angles at both ends. It is the astronaut's "space bedroom" and "work room".It also has two functions: astronaut living module and orbital experiment module, so it is also called orbital module.The orbital module is equipped with a variety of test equipment and experimental instruments for earth observation, and its two sides are equipped with retractable large solar cell sailsSun sensorAnd various antennas and various docking structures, which are used to convert solar energy into spacecraft energy and communicate with the ground.As an astronaut's "space bedroom", the environment of the orbital module is very comfortable, and the temperature in the module is generally between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Return capsule
Astronaut's "Cab"
Return capsuleAlso called cockpit, it belongs to astronauts“cab”。It is the compartment for astronauts to travel to and from space. It is a closed structure with a door at the front.“Shenzhou VI”After completing the earth orbiting mission, the two astronauts will also return to the earth by return capsule.
Propulsive cabin: Also called instrument cabin.Propulsion system, power supply and track braking are usually installed, and oxygen and water are provided for astronauts.The main solar cell sails with an area of more than 20 square meters are also installed on both sides of the propulsion module.[1]
Each section
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Orbital module
Size: 2.8m long and 2.2m in diameter.
Shenzhou spacecraftOrbital moduleThe shape of is cylindrical.In order to enable the orbital module to obtain power in the phase of independent flight, both sides of the orbital module are installed withsolar cellWings, eachSolar wingExcept that the triangle area is 2.0 × 3.4 meters, it can provide more than 0.5 kilowatts of power when the orbital module flies freely.There are four groups of small propulsion engines at the tail of the orbital module, four in each group, to provide auxiliary thrust for the spacecraft and the ability to continue to maintain orbital motion after the orbital module is separated;Close to one side of the orbital moduleReturn capsuleSome of them have a round hatch, which provides access for astronauts to get in and out of the orbital module. However, the maximum diameter of the hatch is only 65 cm, and only smart and specially trained people can get in and out freely.There is an observation window of the orbital module above the cabin door.
After the re-entry module returns, the orbital module is equivalent to an earth observation satellite or space laboratory, and it will continue to work in orbit for about half a year.Orbital moduleThe utilization of reserved orbit is a major feature of Chinese spacecraft. The orbital module and return module of Russian and American spacecraft are generally abandoned after separation.
Return capsule
Size: 2.00 meters long and 2.40 meters in diameter (excluding thermal barrier).
Shenzhou spacecraftReturn capsuleBell shaped, with hatch andOrbital modulebe interlinked.Put back the command and control center of the capsule spaceship, which is equipped with seats for three astronauts to recline in, for the astronauts to take off, rise and return.Below the front of the seat are the instrument panel, manual joystick andOptical sightAnd so on, showing the status of the system and equipment on the spacecraft.Astronauts monitor through these instruments and control the work of the system machinery and equipment on the spacecraft when necessary.Both the orbital module and the return module are closed sections with environmental control andLife support system, ensure that the cabin is filled withatmospheric pressureThe oxygen and nitrogen are mixed, and the temperature andHumidity regulationTo the proper range of human body to ensure the life safety of astronauts during the whole flight mission.
In addition, two main and standby parachutes for landing are installed in the cabin.ShenzhouReturn capsuleTwo circular windows are set on the side wall, one for astronaut observation outside the window, and the other for astronaut operationOptical sightObserve the ground and fly the spacecraft.The base of the return capsule is a metal frame sealing structure, on which the instruments and equipment of the return capsule are installed. The base is lightweight and very strong. When the return capsule returns to the ground and enters the atmosphere, it protects the return capsule from being burned by the hot atmosphere.
Propulsive cabin
Size: 3.05m in length, 2.50m in diameter, 2.80m in bottom diameter
ShenzhouPropulsive cabinAlso known as the equipment cabin, it is cylindrical, and it is loaded with the engine and propellant of the propulsion system, providing the power required for adjusting the attitude and orbit of the spacecraft, braking and deceleration, as well as some equipment of the power supply, environmental control and communication systems.One pair on both sidesSolar wingThe area of the solar wing is 2.0 × 7.5m, except the triangle part.And frontOrbital moduleThe total power generated by the battery wings of the Soyuz will be three times that of the Soyuz, with an average of more than 1.5 kilowatts, almost equal towealthy and healthyThe power provided by the power supply of AX New Wave.In addition to the large power provided by these battery wings, they can also rotate around the connection point, so that no matter how the spacecraft moves, it can always maintain the best direction to obtain the maximum power, eliminating the need for a large number of maneuvers to "tilt to the sun", so that the solar array can be oriented to the sun while the spacecraft can conduct uninterrupted observation to the ground.
The tail of the equipment cabin is the propulsion system of the spacecraft.The main propulsion system consists of four large main enginesPropulsive cabinThe bottom center of the.Four pairs of small thrusters for attitude correction are respectively arranged around the side skirt of the propulsion module. They are smaller than the main thrusters and much larger than other auxiliary thrusters.In addition, there are small auxiliary thrusters outside the side skirt of the propulsion cabin.
Additional Segment
The additional segment, also called the transition segment, is used to prepare for rendezvous and docking with another spacecraft or space station in the future.Before manned flight and rendezvous and docking, he can also install various instruments for space exploration.
There is no official introduction to the equipment of the additional section at this stage, but some insiders have made bold speculation, such as: one half ring device is supposed to be used to install square instruments.The three probes that are perpendicular to each other and can extend 0.4 meters are supposed to be part of the navigation system or docking system.Because AmericanApollo spacecraftSimilar devices have been used for docking.Shenzhou airshipOrbital moduleThe front end may be equipped with a Russian style docking system.However, these devices may only be experimental, and they will definitely be replaced by new docking systems when performing docking tasks with space stations in the future.[2]
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In the morning of October 31, 2023, the orbital module and the return module of Shenzhou 16 manned spacecraft were successfully separated, and the astronauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao of Shenzhou 16 embarked on their way home.[3]
On December 6, 2023, Iran successfully launched a biological capsule, which is an important step for Iran to complete its manned space mission.[4]
