The Shenzhou 17 manned mission is scheduled to be launched at 11:14 today.The flight crew consisted of astronauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin, with Tang Hongbo serving as the commander. It is reported that this mission is the 30th mission since the establishment of the manned space project and the 12th manned mission. The main purpose of the mission is to complete the on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou 16 crew, stay for about 6 months, carry out on-orbit practical (test) experiments of space science and application loads, and carry out extravehicular load installation and space station maintenance and repairs.
In addition to regular work, this mission will carry out experimental maintenance operations outside the space station for the first time.
Currently, space debris is increasing day by day, and it is inevitable that long-term spacecraft will be hit by tiny particles in space.
Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson of China Manned Space Program, said,Preliminary inspections found that the solar wings of the space station were repeatedly hit by tiny particles in space, causing minor damage.
"Of course, this is under design consideration. At present, all functions and performance indicators of the space station meet the requirements. However, in order to face the long-term operation of the space station and verify its technical capabilities, the Shenzhou 17 astronaut crew will conduct extravehicular experimental maintenance through extravehicular activities."