2-year locomotive exploration and scientific investigation by Yutu 2
19 January 2022
Researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology and Beijing Aerospace Control Center analyzed the locomotive data and images collected by Yutu-2 and published the results in Science Robotics on 20 January 2022. "In addition, results of wheel slippage and sinkage, along with an analysis of the lunar regolith properties using the wheel-terrain interaction model, are presented. A comprehensive review of the scientific investigations carried out by Yutu-2 in craters, rocks, and stratum was carried out with additional analyses."
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China's rocket technology hits the ski slopes
19 January 2022
A team from the Dalian University of Technology in northeastern Liaoning Province has developed a strong ski helmet with space technology originally used on the CZ-5 rocket. Chinese freestyle skiers tested them during their training on aerials and halfpipes.
Helmets and rockets share the same requirements: They must be lightweight and show strong resistance to impact. Scientists took advantage of the rocket's structure and materials to improve skiers' safety. It turned out that the high load-carrying efficiency achieved in space is also very useful for the shock-absorbing capacity of the helmet on the slopes. The research team is applying for a patent and seeking to forge cooperation with enterprises to market the helmet.
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Collision risk between Tsinghua science satellite and Cosmos 1408 debris
20 January 2022
The Space Debris Monitoring and Application Centre of the China National Space Administration sent out a warning on an extremely dangerous rendezvous on 18 January between the Tsinghua science satellite and Russia's Cosmos 1408 debris. Experts on space debris told the Global Times on 19 January that the data released showed that there is a high chance of collision between the debris and the satellite.
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Landspace preparing for 1st launch of ZQ-2
19 January 2022
Landspace's 2-staged methane-liquid oxygen fueled rocket Zhuque 2 is set to make its 1st flight early this year from Jiuquan. Satellite imagery by Planet and Pleiades-1B and deleted social media postings indicate that work is progressing on a new launch complex for commercial launch vehicles at the Jiuquan Launch Centre in Northwest China's Gansu Province. If the launch is successful, Zhuque 2 will become the 1st use of methane-liquid oxygen propellent technology in China, and it will become the 1st liquid rocket developed by a Chinese private company.
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