The Haolong space cargo shuttle, a Chinese independently developed reusable winged space cargo vehicle, is expected to further reduce the cost of delivering fresh food to China's space station, according to its chief designer.
Leveraging cutting-edge aviation technologies, the Haolong is designed to be launched by a carrier rocket, dock with the space station, and, after separation, perform de-orbit braking and re-entry maneuvers, culminating in a horizontal landing on an airport runway. It also demonstrates exceptional flight performance in both atmospheric and space environments.
Compared to the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft series, the Haolong offers lower-cost short-cycle in-orbit cargo transportation missions.
"The Haolong space cargo shuttle will normally carry around two tons of payload each time, which will exactly meet the space station's need for the replenishment of supplies for about three months. So, it will be able to provide several replenishments to the space station each year. Such a way of delivery especially fits the replenishment of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as other supplies that can't be stored for too long. Additionally, the Haolong space cargo shuttle's cold chain system is able to keep these foods fresh," said Fang Yuanpeng, chief designer of the Haolong space cargo shuttle.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the winners of its solicitation for overall schemes targeting a low-cost cargo transportation system -- a vital component of the space station's operations -- on Oct. 29. The Haolong space cargo shuttle, developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), was one of two schemes selected for contracts in the flight verification phase.
"After docking with the orbiting space station, the Haolong will operate as part of a combined system. We can select the return window as well as the landing site for the space cargo shuttle, allowing it to return to the same site where it was launched. However, this is not the most challenging aspect of developing the craft; it is relatively easy to accomplish," said Fang.
China has released its first report detailing the progress achieved in scientific research and applications related to the country's space station over the past two years.
The CMSA, which compiled the report to 'mark the two-year anniversary of the space station's full establishment,' announced that the report will now be published annually to reflect the progress of ongoing space missions.
The report, released on Monday, highlights key areas such as space life and human research, microgravity physical sciences, and the development of new space technologies and applications.
As of Dec. 1, a total of 181 scientific and application projects have been conducted in orbit. Nearly two tonnes of scientific materials have been delivered, and close to 100 types of experimental samples have been returned, generating over 300 terabytes of scientific data, the CMSA noted.
Haolong space cargo shuttle to cut costs for fresh food deliveries to space station: chief designer
China's consumer market is buzzing in the new year with a wave of new consumption scenarios and emerging business models which are catering to the public demand for more diverse experiences.
The New Year's Day holiday in China on Wednesday helped spur a consumption and travel boom, as many headed out to do some shopping or enjoy other leisure activities to start the year in style. Data shows that 60 major shopping areas in Beijing recorded a passenger flow of over 8 million, marking a nearly 8 percent increase over the previous year.
In addition, the total single day consumption value in the populous Chongqing Municipality of southwest China exceeded 6.5 billion yuan (around 880 million U.S. dollars) on Wednesday, while hotel bookings in several popular cities during New Year's Eve also saw an 1.1-fold year on year increase.
Up and down the country, streets were busy as many headed out to enjoy the first day of 2025. The first-ever commercial complex set up in a rural township of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province was bustling with visitors during the New Year season.
The complex in Xingjie Town has numerous themed streets and smart grocery markets, becoming a convenient one-stop shopping center for local residents. This development brings also fresh economic opportunities for the town's farmers to sell their fresh produce, and serves as a new platform for consumption in rural areas of the prefecture.
"Our life has become much more convenient thanks to this complex. Now, everything we need is right at our doorstep with a large variety of choices," said Wu Yutian, a local resident in Xingjie Town.
In China's financial hub Shanghai, many shopping malls are embracing the relatively new concept of the "debut economy," which refers to a range of economic activities involving the launch of new products, businesses, services, or technologies, as well as new store openings.
The city has transformed traditional shopping centers into more dynamic hubs of innovation by building grander complexes that feature flagship stores, premier events, and exclusive exhibitions.
The move aims to position Shanghai as a leader in setting fashion trends and defining consumer preferences in China, according to a local official. "Through cultivating the 'debut economy,' we hope to allow more Shanghai brands to lead fashion trends in the building of an international consumption center city," said Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.
In central China's Hubei Province, some shopping centers have introduced a host of immersive light exhibitions, enhancing the shopping experience with a captivating series of cutting-edge visual effects.
In the eastern Fujian Province, the picturesque Hua'an County is leveraging its local fishing industry by developing a unique blend of homestays and cultural experiences. Such innovations have been complemented by the launch of over 50 cultural and tourism activities, attracting a surge of visitors from across the country to enjoy the local flavors. "Stepping out of the hotel, I can try delicious food and experience local customs. It's such a delightful experience," said tourist Jiang Yuhan.
With the skiing season in full swing in China's northern regions, a host of tailored features such as ski equipment storage along with special photography services have been introduced and refined to enhance the traveling experience for visitors.
Diversified scenarios, business models fuel consumption boom across China in new year
