At the 15th China International Aerospace Exposition, as my country's first space shuttle, the scale model of the "Haolong" cargo space shuttle attracted a large number of visitors.

According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the "Haolong" cargo space shuttle program is one of the winning proposals in the overall program solicitation for the low-cost cargo transportation system of the China Space Station. A contract for the engineering flight verification phase has been awarded.

"Haolong" cargo space shuttle chief designer Fang Yuanpeng: "Haolong" cargo space shuttle is a custom-designed and developed model specifically for the uplink and downlink needs of the space station. space shuttle.

The "Haolong" cargo space shuttle is independently designed and developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. It adopts an aerodynamic layout with a large wingspan and a high lift-to-drag ratio. In the overall design scheme, the unique overall wing folding technology is a highlight.

"Haolong" cargo space shuttle chief designer Fang Yuanpeng: It is in a folded state during the transportation and launch stages. It unfolds as soon as it enters orbit and continues until the aircraft lands.

In the early morning of November 16, after more than three hours of flight, the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft successfully docked at the Tiangong Space Station and delivered cargo to the Shenzhou-19 astronauts. Living supplies, platform equipment, propellants and scientific payloads that will remain in orbit for nine months.

Reporter: Maybe in the public perception, China already has the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft. Why do we still need the "Haolong" and why do we need this space shuttle? The appearance of?

"Haolong" cargo space shuttle chief designer Fang Yuanpeng: From two aspects, first of all, Tianzhou is a very successful cargo ship. It has a larger payload ratio and can provide space for the space station. Orbital supply. However, its mission cycle is long and its adaptability to some short-cycle on-orbit transportation is slightly insufficient. At this time, some small-scale cargo aircraft are needed to provide short-cycle transportation missions for the space station.