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| First Launch (UT) |
1999.11.19 |
| Total Length |
58.3 m |
| Lift-off Weight |
497,800 kg |
| Lift-off Thrust |
5,923,000 N |
| Payload Capability |
7,800 kg |
| Payload Orbit |
Low Earth Orbit |
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Changzheng (Long March) 2F was developed based on the design of Changzheng (Long March) 2E with substantial improvement in reliability and safety according to the requirement of manned spacecraft. Its main components include four liquid fuel boosters, first rocket stage, second rocket stage, fairing and escape tower. It is the longest and heaviest among all Chinese launch rockets.
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Changzheng (Long March) 2F consists of ten subsystems: rocket body, control system, propulsion system, malfunctioning detection and management system, escape system, remote monitoring system, telemetry safety system, propellant utilization system, additional system and ground facilities. Malfunctioning detection and management system and escape system are installed for the safety of astronauts. Before the spacecraft enters the orbit, the conditions of the rocket will be closely and constantly monitored. If fatal problem occurs, the systems will help the spacecraft to leave the danger zones.
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Escape System
When life-threatening accidents occur before the jettisoning of fairing, escape system will bring the astronauts to safety. Escape system includes the escape tower and upper fairing. Together with the returning module and orbit module, they are collectively called the "escape flight vehicle". When escape system is activated, the grille wings at the upper fairing will open, supporting frame will pick up the orbit and returning modules, the lock between the returning and propelling modules will release, the lock between the upper and lower fairings will release, escape rocket will be ignited and finally pull the escape flight vehicle away from the rocket. When the escape flight vehicle reaches a safe place, the returning module will be separated and return to the ground.
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| Structure of Shenzhou (Divine Vessel) Spacecraft
Shenzhou (Divine Vessel) spacecraft is 7.8m in length and 2.8m in diameter at the greatest. The width is 18m when the solar panels are fully deployed. With total weight of 7,600kg, Shenzhou is designed to harbour up to three astronauts. It consists of three modules: orbit module, returning module and propelling module.
The orbit module, which is at the front of the spacecraft and is installed with various experimental equipment and facilities, is used for daily life and work of the astronauts. At the two ends of the module, there are openings that can couple with the future space station. Outside the module is a pair of solar panels with a total area of 12 square meters. After the returning module separates and reenter the atmosphere, the orbit module can stay in orbit for some time and function as a small space lab.
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Returning module is the core and middle component of the Shenzhou spacecraft. It is the module that carries the astronauts during take off and reentry, and also the control centre of the spacecraft. Coated with ablative heat shield, astronauts also conduct their daily life here.
The propelling module provides the ship with power and electricity and will be cast off when the ship returns into the atmospheric sphere. It is located at the aft of the spacecraft and flanked by a pair of solar panels with a total area of 24 square meters.
Orbit Module ¢w Length: 2.8m; Diameter: 2.25m
Returning Module ¢w Length: 2.059m; Base Diameter: 2.5m
Propelling Module ¢w Length: 2.94m; Greatest diameter: 2.8m
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Download Shenzhou spacecraft
model
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