A composite image shows the Tianzhou 2 cargo spacecraft (left) docking with the Tianhe space station core module. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
BEIJING – China successfully conducted a transposition test of the Tianzhou-2 cargo craft using its space station's robotic arm Thursday morning.
It was the first time that the robotic arm operated a large in-orbit spacecraft for a transfer test, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
It was the first time that the robotic arm operated a large in-orbit spacecraft for a transfer test, according to the China Manned Space Agency
The test started at 6:12 am (Beijing Time) and took 47 minutes.
ALSO READ: Chinese astronaut 'flies' in orbit
After being unlocked and separated from the space station core module Tianhe, Tianzhou-2 was moved into a predetermined position by the robotic arm. The arm then reversed the maneuvers to bring the spacecraft back to its original position. Tianzhou-2 re-docked with the core module and completed locking.
The test preliminarily verified the feasibility of using the mechanical arm to conduct a space station module transfer, confirmed the effectiveness of relevant technologies, and laid a foundation for the subsequent in-orbit assembly and construction of the country's space station, said the CMSA.
READ MORE: Shenzhou-13 astronauts enter Tianzhou-3 cargo craft