Shenzhou spacecraft photovoltaic panels

Did China's shenzhou-17 astronauts repair a Tiangong solar array?

Shenzhou-17 astronauts conduct first spacewalk to repair solar array China’s Shenzhou-17 astronauts embarked on their first extravehicular activity Thursday to address minor damage to a Tiangong space station solar array.

Did astronauts repair a damaged solar panel on Tiangong space station?

Advertisement During the repair mission, the astronauts also inspected the station’s surface. Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station repair a damaged solar panel on Saturday. Photo: CCTV

Why did Shenzhou 17 astronauts perform a spacewalk?

Shenzhou-17 astronauts perform a spacewalk to perform solar arrays on the Tiangong space station on March 1, 2024. (Image credit: CMSA) The main objective of the mission was maintenance of the solar array of Tiangong's Tianhe core module. These large area solar panels are at times impacted by micrometeoroids.

Which solar array technology is used in Tianzhou space station?

It developed its first generation rigid solar array technology for the Shenzhou manned spaceship project. Then the second generation of semi-rigid solar array technology was adopted for the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft. The flexible solar array technology is the third generation technology which has been used on all the modules of the space station.

What is China's 'largest solar array ever used for a spacecraft?

As China's first lab module Wentian, belonging to its space station – also the largest and heaviest spacecraft – has been sent to the space, the solar wings installed on it has also grabbed attention since it's the largest flexible solar array the country ever used for a spacecraft.

How did shenzhou-17 spacewalk work?

Shenzhou-17 spacewalk tasks included a repair test on one of the Tianhe core module’s solar arrays. The system was earlier found to have suffered minor damage through micrometeoroid hits.