China is set to launch its first interplanetary mission in July of this year amid the Coronavirus pandemic, which has severely hindered activity in the republic. Mark Swaim asks, will the outbreak hold up China’s launch for the Red Planet?
Mars Mission Situation Looks Good
China’s government implemented a series of enforced quarantine and travel policies in January to help stop the spread of the virus. This kept many employees, including those in the space industry, from going to work.
However, the China Mars Mission situation continues to look good, as they proceed with their plans to send a rover and an orbiter to Mars. Work at facilities for manufacturing and testing spacecraft and launch vehicles has gone on despite the blow to their labor force.
Increased Safety Precautions
Their workaround solutions included the use of safety precautions such as safety masks, elevator use ban, lunches boxed individually, and building disinfection.
Meanwhile, Mark Swaim notes that the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in Sichuan Province, has resumed launches. The country’s new coastal spaceport, Wenchang, is getting ready for two new rocket launches. One of these will test a new next-gen spacecraft and lay the groundwork for the country’s new space station.
The Long March 5
These are encouraging news for China’s Mars Mission, which is set to launch from the Wenchang spaceport in July.
China’s biggest rocket, the Long March 5, will launch the Mars Mission. It had a fruitful return to flight last December after a launch disaster in July 2017. The Long March 5, according to Mark Swaim, is progressing along nicely with favorable engine tests accomplished in January. The rover that will be sent to Mars also underwent space environment testing in the same month.
No official comment has been made about the mission, but as Mark Swaim observes, the country’s first solo expedition to the Red Planet appears to be on track. China also seems to be pushing through with their plans to do at least 40 more launches this year.
Mark Swaim 