Germs reportedly included those from the staphylococcus and streptococcus groups. "Cumulative results show that microorganisms in numbers exceeding normative requirements were detected in 65 of samples," Orlov added according to TASS, noting that the amount had been increasing. Orlov added that germ contamination had interfered with space tech once before when equipment was damaged by microorganisms during a mission on Russia's former Mir space station. NASA/Gettyĭuring a Russian space council meeting, Orlov was cited by the RAS as saying: "The option of creating the ROSS using the ISS modules will lead to the transfer of the microbiota to the new modules will accelerate the process of their biocontamination which will result in potentially pathogenic bacteria and technophiles participating in the process of the biodestruction of materials emerging at the ROSS." Above, the ISS is seen shortly after the Space Shuttle Atlantis undocked in September 2006. The third step is to assemble and operate a permanently crewed space station, which is set to be finished by the end of 2022.Russia, a major International Space Station partner, is planning to create its own space station. The second step is to test key technologies needed for a permanent space station. Yang Liwei was the first Chinese astronaut that was sent to space. The first step is sending astronauts into space and return safely, which was completed in 2003. Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping introduced a three-step strategy in the country's space exploration programs back in the 1990s. With the construction of its space station, China aims to improve spacecraft rendezvous technology, permanent human operations in orbit, regenerative life support technology, autonomous cargo and fuel supply technology, among others. The Shenzhou-13 crew entered the Tianhe core module on October 16, embarking on their six-month stay in space, which is China's longest-ever crewed mission so far.Īdditionally, China had four other launch missions in 2021, including the launch of the Tianhe core module in April, Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft in May, Shenzhou-12 manned spacecraft in June, and Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft in September.Ĭhina now plans six missions in 2022, including the launch of the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, two cargo spacecraft and two manned spaceships, to complete the construction of Tiangong, China's first ever space station. I wasn't interested at first, but the more I learn, the more I realize it's different from what I thought," said Anastasia Petrova from Beijing Chaoyang Fangcaodi International School. "My science teacher taught me something about space science. So, aerospace professionals, space science popularization workers, and teachers have all been working to cultivate more talent and innovators," said Shi. China is transitioning from a major player in space to a major power. "Space exploration mission is a symbol of a country's comprehensive power. Shi said China has been investing more in sparking young people's interest in space science. Shi Yi, a physics teacher from Beijing 101 Middle School, was in charge of the previous class from space back in 2013. I've learned a lot," said Geng Xia, a six grader from Haidian Tuqiang No. Since then, I've been learning astronomical photography and space science. "I've joined the space science club since grade one. In June 2013, Wang, assisted by the other two crew members on the Shenzhou-10 spacecraft, delivered the country's first live space class to over 60 million teachers and schoolchildren across China. This is the second space class given by taikonauts. Space log: How do astronauts work out in space?Ĭhinese taikonauts enjoy food in China's Space Station
Space log: How to ensure water supply at China's space station? With a water recycling system, every drop of water is fully used in the space station, she said. In response to a Hong Kong student's question about water, Wang said the water they drink is recycled, noting that there is no difference in taste between regular and recycled water.
In the kitchen, she showed the students a microwave, a water dispenser and a mini-refrigerator from which she took out a fresh apple.
She showcased their bedrooms and toilet, a fully functional kitchen where the taikonauts prepare their meals each day, the area where they conduct scientific experiments and their fitness equipment, including a treadmill and a spin bike. At the beginning of the class, Wang, the first female taikonaut to enter China's space station, gave the students a tour of their living and working areas at the space station's Tianhe core module, with the assistance of her two male crewmates.