China’s Tianzhou-9 cargo craft set for Tiangong space station resupply mission
The craft will deliver upgraded spacesuits, exercise devices and scientific equipment for astronauts, with launch expected in ‘near future’
The cargo spacecraft and a Long March-7 Y10 carrier rocket had been transported to the launch pad at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan, Xinhua reported, citing the China Manned Space Agency.
It said functionality checks and joint tests would proceed as planned, adding that facilities and equipment at the launch site were “in good condition”.
The supplies also include two sets of domestically developed spacesuits that can be used for 20 spacewalks over four years – an upgrade in lifespan from the previous three years and 15 spacewalks.
The astronauts will also receive a set of core muscle training devices designed to help counteract muscle atrophy in microgravity.