A joint rehearsal for the launch of the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft was conducted on Wednesday, with all systems involved in the mission completing related function checks and ready for launch, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
Under the coordination of the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, the Wenchang Space Launch Site, Xi'an Satellite Control Center, and the mission's sub control stations simulated the pre-launch procedures, the launch procedures, and the spacecraft flight. These full mission profile exercises assessed the compatibility and coordination among the different systems.
As the rehearsal is a comprehensive drill involving the most systems and elements, its success indicates that all facilities and equipment are ready for the actual launch.
"We've rehearsed our work in the launching area, which mainly revolves around all the procedures scheduled for the launch day. This afternoon, we've completed the connections between the fueling system, the gas supply system, air conditioning system and the rocket. All are currently in good condition," said Zhou Hong, an employee of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
"All items, including those related to the astronaut system and environmental control, have passed preliminary testing and are in place now. All are in excellent condition. With the spacecraft now transferred to the launch tower, it's ready for launch," said Zhou Geqiang, an employee of the China Astronautic Scientific Research and Training Center.
Currently, the flight control team is closely monitoring the status and orbital parameters of China's space station combination, which is in good condition and ready to receive the Tianzhou-8 for docking.
The crew of Shenzhou-19 has conducted manual remote operation trainings for the arrival of Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft.
Joint rehearsal conducted for Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft launch
