FAW's Hongqi Astronaut Transfer Vehicles Upgraded for Shenzhou-21 Mission
CCTV reports that FAW's Hongqi vehicles, used to transport astronauts to the launch pad, have been customized with special seats, anti-puncture tires, and ceremonial details for the Shenzhou-21 mission.
- 15
- 60 cm
- 7 km
What Happened
For the upcoming Shenzhou-21 mission, FAW Group's Hongqi vehicles have been upgraded to serve as the official astronaut transfer vehicles. The new fleet joined the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in September after six months of tailored design and production. The vehicles retain Hongqi's signature elegant design and feature a special license plate reading 'Flawless Execution, Complete Success'.
- Seating capacity optimized to 15 seats, including 4 special aviation seats that are 60 cm wide and electrically adjustable in six directions for astronaut comfort.
- Ceremonial design elements such as 'Chinese Manned Space' logos on headrests and ambient lighting on door pedals.
- Anti-puncture tires and an onboard communication system for safety and connectivity with the command center.
The vehicles also include amenities like a desk, mini-fridge, and air purifier. The send-off ceremony from Yuanmengyuan Square to the launch tower is escorted by a fleet of Hongqi vehicles and ceremonial motorcycles, reflecting the high respect for the astronauts.
Why this matters
The upgrades ensure astronaut comfort and safety during the 7-kilometer journey to the launch tower, highlighting China's attention to detail in its space program.
Terms in This Story
- Shenzhou
- China's series of crewed spacecraft used for human spaceflight missions.
- Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- A Chinese space launch facility in the Gobi Desert, used for crewed missions.
- Yuanmengyuan Square
- The square at the Jiuquan launch center where astronaut send-off ceremonies take place.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.