PHOTO: VCG

Next Generation Seawater Desalination Material Developed

A research teach from Nanjing University of Science and Technology has developed a thin polyester film that can enhance desalination and water purification. The polyester reverse osmosis membrane overcame several limitations of the mainstream commercial polyamide membranes, providing a new solution for next generation seawater desalination technology. The findings were published in the international journal Science on April 19.

New Remote Sensing Satellite in Orbit

China on April 21 launched a Long March-2D carrier rocket, placing a remote sensing satellite in space. The rocket lifted off from Sichuan and sent the Yaogan-42 02 satellite into orbit. It was the 517th flight mission of the Long March series of rockets.

Shenzhou-18 Manned Mission Ready After Full Rehearsal

After a full-system rehearsal on April 21 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China's crewed Shenzhou-18 spacecraft is ready to launch in the coming days. The Shenzhou-18 mission marks the program's 18th flight and the country's 13th manned mission. Three taikonauts, or Chinese astronauts, are anticipated to be sent to Chinese space station Tiangong for a six-month stay.

Multipurpose Deep-Sea Research Vessel Docks

China's first multipurpose scientific research and archaeological ship for deep-sea exploration and cultural relic excavation formally berthed on April 20 in Guangzhou city in south China. China conceived, developed and constructed the multifunctional vessel on its own. The 104-meter long vessel weighs approximately 10,000 tonnes. With the ability to break through ice in both directions, it may undertake research in polar marine regions during the summer months as well as deep-sea research and cultural relic excavations.