Chinese spacecraft in 1st manual dockingJune 24, 2012 - 15:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China has successfully completed its first ever manual docking of a spacecraft with another space module. Astronauts on the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft docked with the Tiangong-1 lab module without relying on an automated system, BBC News reported. State television broadcast images of Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and China's first female astronaut, Liu Yang, smiling after completing the exercise. The docking is seen as a key step in the building of a space station, which China hopes to finish by 2020. A manual docking procedure would be used in the event of a failure with the automated system. It is regarded as a difficult manoeuvre, bringing gently together two orbiting vessels travelling at thousands of miles an hour. Liu Wang took charge of the operation, while Liu Yang conducted aerospace experiments. "The success of the manual docking mission represents a major breakthrough. It was a precise and perfect docking," said Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space programme. Manual docking was mastered by the USSR and U.S. in the 1960s. The Shenzhou-9 spacecraft was launched on 16 June. It carried out a successful automatic docking when it reached the Tiangong-1 module on 18 June. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |