As one of the world's most powerful cargo spaceships, the Tianzhou has been further modified for the successful Tianzhou-8 mission, according to staff with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
According to the China Manned Space Agency, the Long March-7 Y9 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-8 spacecraft blasted off at 23:13 Beijing Time (1513 GMT) on Friday from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan.
At 02:32 Beijing Time (1832 GMT) on Saturday, the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft successfully docked at the rear docking port of the Tianhe core module.
Compared to its predecessors Tianzhou-6 and Tianzhou-7, the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft boasts a larger cargo capacity -- an increase of more than 200 liters of space and more than 100 kilograms of cargo load.
"First, the pre-launch loading capacity is improved to cater to the astronauts' in-orbit needs for fresh fruits, as well as the scientific experiment payload," said Dang Rong, researcher from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Weighing about six tons, the cargo includes supplies for astronauts, propellant, application experiments and test equipment in addition to over 400 kilograms of scientific application supplies.
"From an application standpoint, the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft is an essential component of the space station currently in orbit and an integral part of its overall functionality. With its powerful capabilities, the spacecraft not only delivers cargo but also provides propellant refueling and comprehensive attitude and orbit control services for the space station," said Feng Yong from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Tianzhou-8 cargo spaceship further modified for successful mission
Tianzhou-8 cargo spaceship further modified for successful mission
With the Year of the Snake a little more than three weeks away, accessories and gifts theming featuring the zodiac animal sign ranging from traditional embroidered sachets to modern gold jewelry are surging in popularity across China, with demand notably increasing.
In Qingyang City, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, a sachet-making company is bustling to fulfill orders for the final batch of snake-themed sachets.
The company's manager said there has been a significant surge in orders for the product.
"Order for snake-themed sachets have increased by 40 percent compared to before," said Jin Liangliang, the manager.
In Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, part of Mianyang in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Chen Yunzhen, an inheritor of traditional Qiang embroidery, has also designed a snake-themed sachet.
With the snake adorned with iconic flowers of the area at its head and tail, the sachet is filled with mugwort and features a coin symbolizing prosperity.
"Here is a coin we designed, which carries the wish that the gift receiver will have no lack of money to spend in the entire year. We hope that everyone who sees this little snake will have a prosperous year and see their wishes come true," Chen said.
Meanwhile, gold stores in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan Province, are experiencing a surge in sales.
Young consumers are particularly attracted to lightweight, modern gold accessories featuring snake motifs.
These include charming designs, such as the coiled snake, which are popular for their dainty sizes and diversified style.
"These snake-themed accessories highlight what is lovable about snakes, especially when paired with bracelets that carry auspicious meanings. They sell really well, with sales doubling those of last month," said Niu Lina, a store manager at one of the city's gold shops.
Snake-themed gifts surge in popularity across China
