Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center improves manpower efficiency of rocket operation team

The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center's rocket operation team is driving manpower efficiency for the Shenzhou 20 manned spaceflight mission.

The team, formed to meet frequent space launch demands, is tasked with assembly and testing operations for both onboard and ground systems of rockets, a key role in ensuring the success of the Shenzhou-20 manned mission.

Ahead of the mission, the team simulated the plug separation on a mock rocket.

Built on previous launch missions, the team developed a human resource management approach for rocket operations, which includes training programs, career development plans, operational guides, and tools to assess and assign tasks based on individual skills. These measures can boost workforce efficiency and readiness.

"In the regular trainings, we focus on teammates' education backgrounds and train them for multiple roles. We also evaluate the risks associated with each post, and carry out assessments on each member in terms of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and psychological aptitude. This helps us develop a competence matrix and enables us flexible deployment and role assignments during missions," said He Pengju, an engineer of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch.

The team, consisting of both seasoned engineers and young operators, actively explored the path of talent cultivation, adopted a sand-table approach in their work, which features detailed explanations of rocket construction, appropriate manpower deployment, and thorough risk assessments. This greatly improves efficiency.

"In the Shenzhou-20 mission, the team members will see their operational skill further expanded. The rocket operation team not only undertakes on-board operations, but also some ground operations. On-board and ground operations of the rocket are integrated, and manpower efficiency will be further improved," said Lei Fugui, an engineer of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch.

The combination of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket has been transferred to the launching area, and the spaceship will be launched at an appropriate time in the near future, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center improves manpower efficiency of rocket operation team

Ningbo Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang Province is demonstrating resilience in the face of U.S. tariffs by launching new trade routes and adapting swiftly to evolving market demands.

Ningbo, a hub for international trade, has further strengthened its position by embracing innovative solutions such as direct maritime routes and enhanced connectivity to Europe.

Building on this resilience, Ningbo Zhoushan Port unveiled the "China-Europe Express" in December 2024, a direct maritime route to Europe offering seamless "point-to-point" service. This innovation not only slashes shipment times but also reinforces the port's adaptability to global trade challenges.

"Previously, cargo shipped from Hefei City in east China to Europe went through the China-Europe Railway Express or traditional sea routes, which took about 40 days. Now, it only takes 27 days on the Anhui-Ningbo-Europe express route," said Gu Xuhui, marketing director for Zhejiang Seaport Logistics.

The express route connects the "China-Europe Express" with a freight railway from east China’s Anhui Province to facilitate more exporters.

Europe has become one of the major destinations for the port.

"Between January and April, we handled 1.31 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TUEs), up six to seven percentage points year on year," said He Binli, vice manager of Operations with Ningbo Daxie Container Terminal.

While the port is fully prepared for potential foreign trade fluctuations, exporters in the city are also shifting their focus to other markets.

Xu Ziyang, a seasoned medical equipment exporter, began preparing as early as 2017, driven by concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies towards China.

"[U.S. tariffs] have had little impact on us. In fact, we started adjusting back in 2017 to 2019, during his previous term. We aligned with China’s national strategy to expand into Belt and Road countries, as well as South American and African markets," said Xu, general manager of Ningbo Greeted Medical Instruments.

Xu’s sales jumped by 12 percent in 2024, and he expects continued growth this year.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port demonstrates resilience amid trade challenges