Exploring the Universe: Cooperation or Competition?

European Forum Alpbach 2013

Shuang-Nan Zhang Director, Center for Particle Astrophysics Institute of High Energy Physics Chief Scientist, Space Science Division National Astronomical Observatories Chinese Academy of Sciences

1 Day 4

2 The role of the shuttle for space science: astronomy as example

 Launched the first three of NASA’s four Great Observatories, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (1991–2000), (1990), Chandra X-ray Observatory (1999-), and Spitzer Space Telescope

3 4 saved CGRO

1991–2000

5 Shuttle saved and kept HST alive

1990.4.24

date purpose 1 1993.12 Repair primary mirror 2 1997.2 Repl 2 cam, 1 rec, etc. 3A 1999.12 Repl 6 gyro, FGS, comp 3B 2002.3 Repl 1 cam, solar array 4 2009.5 Instl many instruments

6 The last (4th) HST service mission  Originally planned in 2005, but the Columbia disaster in 2003 made NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe to cancel all manned SMs. But in January 2004, O'Keefe said he would review his decision due to public outcry.  The new NASA Administrator nominee, Michael D. Griffin, in April 2005 stated he would consider a manned SM to HST.  In 2006.10, Griffin decided SM4 in 2008.10. But HST's main DHU failed in 2008.09, SM4 was postponed to incorporate a replacement for DHU.  SM4 in 2009.05  HST fully functional beyond 2014.  No more HST service, since no more Shuttle!

7 ’s Manned Space Program

 In 1967-68, China decided 1st manned design Shuguang (dawn)-1  1st launched into orbit on 1970.  Manned program started officially on in 1971.4 as Project 714  two into space before 1973  But soon canceled due to the culture revolution  In 1986.3, Project 863 started as a shuttle program, but two years later adopted a simpler space capsule design.  In 1992.1, the current Project 921 ( program: Divine vessel ) kicked off  In 1999, Shenzhou-1 was launched and recovered  In 2003, 1st Chinese astronaut was sent on Shenzhou- 5 to space and returned 21 hours later.

8 International Space Station without China  In late 1980’s, NASA tried to tie ESA and Japan to its Freedom Space Station program, why?  preventing those nations from becoming major, independent competitors?  In 1989, USSR was dissolved and the ended  USA and Russia began to talk about ISS  China was also interested in joining, but refused by USA.  In 1992, China decided to develop the 921 manned space program, after two canceled programs in 70’s and 80’s  3 stages: manned capability  spacelab  space station.  In 1993, USA and Russia agreed on ISS, along with ESA and Japan, but without China. When ended?  on March 23, 2001, why and how?

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