China Successfully Tests Sea Recovery of Mengzhou Crewed Spacecraft
China has successfully completed a key test mission of its next-generation crewed spacecraft Mengzhou, also known as the Dream Vessel, demonstrating its ability to search for and recover a return capsule from both land and sea.
The test involved a maximum dynamic pressure abort scenario, after which the Mengzhou spacecraft achieved a safe splashdown in designated sea waters on Wednesday. A maritime search and rescue team subsequently completed the recovery of the return capsule, marking a significant milestone for China’s future space station operations and crewed lunar landing plans, according to the China Manned Space Agency.
The latest success builds on earlier recovery operations conducted by the aerospace search and rescue team of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which previously handled the return capsules of the Shenzhou crewed spacecraft and China’s Chang’e lunar missions.
Li Xin, an official at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, said the mission benefited from support provided by the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site and newly developed recovery equipment. He added that cooperation with the Nanhai Rescue Bureau under the Ministry of Transport enabled the establishment of a joint maritime aerospace search and rescue mechanism.
According to mission officials, preparations for the Mengzhou recovery focused on strengthening command and control, search and monitoring, salvage and recovery, and communication support capabilities.
Shang Xu, a member of the mission’s communication unit, said maritime conditions posed far greater challenges than land-based recoveries in the Gobi Desert, citing high humidity, salinity, and strong winds and waves that complicate electromagnetic communication.
To overcome these difficulties, the team deployed an integrated sea-air-ground communication network combining shipborne 5G systems, satellite links, and shore-based stations to ensure stable connectivity throughout the operation.
The search and rescue team had earlier carried out multiple full-process training exercises, including capsule location, handling, and diving operations. Team member Song Changyou said repeated drills allowed continuous refinement of disposal plans and equipment.
Li Xin said the successful mission had generated valuable experience for the development of China’s maritime aerospace search and rescue system and future maritime landing sites.
China #SpaceProgram #Mengzhou #CrewedSpaceflight #MaritimeRecovery #Aerospace #diplomatsWorld #diplomatsworld
