Want to enter the core module of the space station? Astronauts must first pass through these four gates→

Source: CCTV News Client

After the Shenzhou 12 manned spacecraft rendezvous and docks with the core module of the space station, the astronauts will enter the core module from the Shenzhou spacecraft. During this process, astronauts need to pass through four gates in total.

What are the four gates? Let’s find out~

After completing the rendezvous and docking, the astronauts must first open the door of the return module of the Shenzhou-12 spacecraft and come to the orbital module. At this time, the front end of the orbital module and the front end of the core module of the space station are in a circle. The docking mechanism between the shaped node cabins forms a channel with a diameter of 80 cm and a length of about 1 meter.

The astronauts passed through this passage and finally entered the core module. However, in order to open the front door of the orbital module, astronauts must first adjust the air pressure on both sides of the door.

Deputy Chief Designer of the Shenzhou Spacecraft of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group Gao Xu: We must first repressurize the docking channel so that its pressure reaches a balance with the pressure in the aircraft cabins on both sides. In this way, astronauts can more easily open the front door of our orbital module. Then enter this docking channel.

To enter the core module node module, a special \”key\” is required to open the door.

After entering the docking channel, the astronauts must open the front door of the node module. This door cannot be opened casually. It requires a special \”key\” to open it.

General Deputy Director of the Shenzhou Spacecraft of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group Chief Designer Gao Xu: Our manned spacecraft also carried a key to the space station. He (the astronaut) took this key to open the door of the space station. It has a relatively large handle, so This can reduce the difficulty of opening the door.

At this time, the astronaut is floating in the docking channel because he is not restricted by gravity. He can push the door open by turning the \”key\” twice and a half. Enter the node cabin.

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