2016年CRI Tiangong-2 space lab improved as ＂an apartment＂ for the astronauts

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The Tiangong-2 space lab, though adopting the structure of Tiangong-1 without too many changes in appearance, has been designed to function much stronger than its predecessor¹.

Zhu Congpeng, chief designer of the lab, says they've focused on a variety of factors to make it more habitable.

"While designing Tiangong-2, we concentrated on habitability in aspects like astronauts' daily needs, acoustical² and visual environment, as well as decoration inside the cabin and noise reduction. We also added some facilities to make their lives more convenient."

Scientists have also added some new furniture inside the Tiangong-2 space lab.

For example, astronauts can easily assemble a platform in the space lab enabling them to dine in a wide place instead of the orbital cabin of the spacecraft.

Zhu says it is an extensive multifunctional platform where astronauts can write, eat or even conduct experiments.

Bai Linhou, chief director of Space Lab System, said with a laptop on the platform, astronauts can not only do some research work, but also take part in recreational activities.

"Inside the relaying area, astronauts can watch live telecast and movies in real time. For example, if they want to watch football matches or news, we can upload the program in real time."

Astronauts can also do physical exercises with the usual equipment including a bicycle or a treadmill³, and they'll also wear a special uniform to avoid muscle atrophy⁴.

Their health will be monitored by doctors.

Earlier on Sunday, Beijing Aerospace⁵ Control Center adjusted the space lab for the last time to prepare its docking with the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft which was successfully launched on Monday.

Chen Xianfeng, a director at the control center, said more preparations were also made so that the astronauts can live and work under safe conditions.

"We have conducted relevant tests of the pressure, temperature and toxic⁷ gas in Tiangong-2. By doing so, the astronauts will have normal working and living conditions after they get inside it. After testing, we have identified that there is no toxic gas. We have ensured that Tiangong-2 is fully⁶ operational, ready to dock with Shenzhou-11."

Scientists also say that some future additions will be made to the space lab including recycling technologies which might be used on life-support system.

The two astronauts of the Shenzhou-11 manned space mission, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, will stay in the Tiangong-2 space lab for 30 days. This will be the longest mission ever for the Chinese space program.

The space lab was launched on September 15 and has since been in orbit for over a month.

For CRI, I'm Xie Cheng.