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Shenzhou XI manned spacecraft blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, Oct 17, 2016. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
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Challenges
China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou XI will stay in space for 33 days, the longest since the country first sent a man into the space in 2003. The mission presents more challenges in protecting astronauts' physical and mental health.
A zero-gravity environment will affect the astronauts' cardiovascular systems, and lead to muscle atrophy, weakened immunity and faster bone loss. These make the spacemen more vulnerable to disease.
To fight the negative impacts, spacemen will use treadmill and chest-expander to practice in the space lab, and wear penguin suits, which produce more tension with its elastic materials, to prevent muscles weakening.
Also, to relieve the stress of astronauts, psychologists, families and colleagues on the ground will communicate with them through video, audio or e-mail.
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Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng (right) and Chen Dong at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on October 17. [Photos by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]
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Aerospace fashion
To us, "spacesuits" is an all-encompassing word, but to professionally trained astronauts, there are two distinct kinds: on-orbit and on-ground, with ten different sets for all needs.
According to Yang Lizhong, a researcher on spacesuit project, the clothing are designed for practical use in diverse occasions with Chinese aesthetic features.
The on-orbit clothing series clothes are worn by astronauts under temperature suitable for the human body, similar to working suits, shoes, fitness clothing, casual suits, underwears, shoes and sleeping bags, and also spacesuits, aka "penguin suits" to keep muscle trained in space.
The clothing for ground includes training suits, jackets and formal wear.
Many logos are attached on the suits like national flag, logo of the manned space flight project, name, task sign and honor badge.
The honor badge shows how many times an astronaut has been in space with stars.
Accessories like ties, scarves, eye patches and earmuffs are also made for astronauts.
chinadaily.com.cn
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