TTC and Communication system plays important role during Shenzhou-7 mission

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-26-2008 10:04

One of the most important parts of the manned space program is the Telemetry, Tracking, Command and Communication system. Working with six other systems, the TTC and Communication system will play an important role during Shenzhou-7 mission.

The TTC and Communication system tracks and collects information about the spacecraft during its journey. It calculates data, then processes and analyzes the data before applying it to help control and manage the spacecraft.

For years, the Beijing Institute of Tracking and Communication Technology has been devoted to the research of the TTC and Communication system. It has designed and established a space tracking and communication network, which is the largest and most advanced system in China's space history. The system successfully accomplished the tracking and communication mission for the Shenzhou series, including the manned Shenzhou-5 and Shenzhou-6.

During the Shenzhou-7 mission, the TTC and Communication System will also provide comprehensive tracking and communication support.

To ensure the success of the spacewalk, the system needs to provide continuous tracking and communication coverage, which will happen from the 29th to the 30th cycle around the earth.

By deploying terrestrial tracking stations and tracking ships at home and abroad, the system can monitor the entire spacewalk, lasting for nearly 40 minutes.

A great amount of data is to be transferred between the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft and the ground, through a Data Relay Satellite, Tianlian One. The satellite is China's first of its kind, launched in April, to increase communication time during the spacewalk. It covers 50 percent of the orbit of the Shenzhou-7.

The system also provides tracking and communication support for the Concomitant Satellite of the Shenzhou-7.

Experts say the TTC and Communication System is the only channel through which the spacecraft communicates with the ground once in the space. It plays a critical role in the spacecraft's overall operation.

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Editor:Du Xiaodan