The successful launch and safe return of China's fourth unmanned
spacecraft Shenzhou IV has paved the way for the eagerly awaited
manned flights. The questions like who are the first generation of
China's space envoys and how they are trained have now become a
public concern.
Su
Shuangning is chief director and designer of astronaut systems and
head of the Institute of Space Medico-Engineering. This means that
it is Su who is in charge of the selection and training of China's
astronauts. In a recent interview with a Xinhua News Agency
reporter, he revealed some of the mysteries surrounding the
astronauts.
"The training of China's astronauts is proceeding according to
plan. We are now in a position to send fully trained astronauts
into space at any time," said a confident Su Shuangning.
Selected from Fighter Pilots
According to Su Shuangning, those who make up the first generation
of China's astronauts have all been fighter pilots. Just to be
considered for selection, they needed some 1,000 hours of flight
experience coupled with superb flying skills. They also had to
satisfy minimum requirements of four-year tertiary education,
robust physique, excellent psychological qualities and quick
reactions.
Flying fast jets is good preparation for space. "Takeoffs and
landings are at high speed making them complex and demanding
exercises. Supersonic flight, high-altitude flight and high-speed
maneuvering all require the application of technical precision
while coping with air pressure variations and pulling g-forces
several times normal. And of course the unique brand of qualities
that fighter pilots have developed to cope with emergency
situations like parachute ejection coupled with a high level of
problem solving skills means they have particularly valuable
experience to bring to their new role in space. Out of every 100
candidates who come forward for astronaut selection only one is
chosen," said Su.
Strong in Mind and Body
China's astronauts are typically 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall
and weigh in around 65 kg (143 pounds). According to Su, a shorter
figure can fit more easily into the restricted dimensions of a
space capsule. There is a further physiological benefit as a short
strong frame is built around a strong spinal column, which is more
resistant to impact stress.
The restrictive selection criteria are necessary because the
astronauts must face even more exacting demands than fighter
pilots.
During the ascent into orbit, the astronauts will have to withstand
not just the noise of the rocket but also g-forces, which will make
them five times their normal weight. Once in orbit there will be
weightlessness and cosmic radiation to contend with. During
descent, the g-forces are faced again this time coupled with the
thermal effects of re-entry. Despite the technology of heat
resistant materials there will be no escape from high temperatures.
Then at the very last minute comes the final test, the impact of
touchdown. It is therefore not surprising that these elite
crewmembers have all undergone rigorous physical examinations and
psychological testing.
The physical examinations undergone by the astronauts are a far cry
from those for the man in the street. This is no ordinary check-up,
the candidates are actually hospitalized for a full month of tests.
A raft of modern medical procedures seeks out every hidden
potential illness or hereditary disease. Even their partners are
checked. Then comes demanding physiological testing. There is a
severe 8 g-force centrifuge test. A further test of space
suitability finds the candidates placed in chair and spun rapidly
for 15 minutes.
The would-be astronauts' proven good health and exceptional
physiological functions need to be complemented by superb
psychological qualities.
The candidates are put through a series of psychological tests
simulating a range of different scenarios. Then come the
questionnaires specially prepared by the psychologists to probe
their very personalities.
The dimensions of the international space station are less than
those of an ordinary two-room apartment. And the interior of a
spacecraft is about the size of a domestic bathroom.
The astronauts will need nerves of steel if they are to stay and
work for long spells in the isolation of space. They will have to
be able to show the care necessary to conduct scientific
experiments while living with all the unexpected hazards of
space.
Three-stage Training
Su
Shuangning has revealed the three distinct stages in the training
of China's astronauts.
1) Basic theory
The astronauts are required to learn the design principles of
rockets and spacecraft, flight dynamics, meteorology, astronomy,
communications, facilities testing and space medicine.
2) Professional skills
The astronauts must know the structure of the spacecraft and the
workings and layout of its many systems. They have many key
components to become familiar with not to mention being well versed
in the mechanics of the propulsion unit on which so much
depends.
3) The flight simulator
The flight simulator brings the astronauts as close as possible to
the real thing. They thoroughly familiarize themselves the
procedures of space flight again and again until they become second
nature. They practice every aspect of the mission from entering the
spacecraft through the launch sequence and operating the craft in
orbit to re-entry and landing procedures.
Their instructors will program the simulator to replicate all
manner of emergencies in order to fully develop the ability to
recognize and react well to every possible malfunction.
Survival skills are also an important part of astronaut training.
If the spacecraft were to miss the designated landing area with the
search and rescue teams unable to reach them right away, then the
astronauts must be able to fend for themselves. The astronauts have
undertaken survival exercises in a variety of climates and terrain
including sea, desert and rain forest.
It
usually takes from three to five years to finish the full
three-stage training. It is equivalent to undertaking a university
education all over again.
Familiarization on Shenzhou IV
It
is now known that the astronauts had a one-week familiarization on
the Shenzhou IV spacecraft in April of 2002.
Chief Director of the Shenzhou Spacecraft Program Yuan Jiajun
disclosed that though the recent successful Shenzhou IV was an
unmanned space flight, its pathfinder function was to test that the
technologies were in place for manned space flight.
During the familiarization procedure, scientists briefed the
astronauts on the technologies of manned space flight and helped
prepare them for their forthcoming mission. The astronauts were
able to gain valuable hands-on experience with all the controls and
instrumentation of an actual spacecraft. Afterwards they commented
favorably on the spacecraft, approving of the design.
Home Comforts in Space
The astronauts will be at the very heart of the coming manned space
flight. Su Shuangning spoke of his sphere of operations as having a
focus not only on the selection and training of qualified
astronauts but also on ensuring their health and safety while on
the mission.
Su
said, "Providing a comfortable home for the astronauts while in
space is a top priority. Once in space, their capsule will be
operating in conditions of low gravity, high vacuum and powerful
radiation. In order to guarantee their health and safety and to
enable them to work efficiently, we have done everything possible
to create an artificial environment that is as close as possible to
conditions at the earth's surface. Both medical and ergonomic
factors have been taken into consideration in the design and
construction of the spacecraft."
Su
speaks of the spacecraft being fully equipped with systems to
monitor and assess the physical condition of the astronauts.
Could space travel one day become a matter of routine for ordinary
people once a comfortable home in space can be assured? Su thinks
yes. He said, "In addition to highly trained astronauts, some
engineers and other experts will also be taking part in the manned
space flight program and the future will see space tourism. The
demanding physical requirements will be relaxed progressively as
arrangements are made to bring these new categories of space
travelers on board. So as China's manned space flight technologies
are developed it will indeed become possible in the future for
ordinary people to realize their dream of space travel."
(China.org.cn, edited and translated by Wang Qian, January 13,
2003)