Long March 2F Shenzhou 13

Video from the channel The Space Devs about Long March 2F/G, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 13:02. Language: English. Video type: Launch.

Excerpt from the English-commentated broadcast of the launch of the crewed spacecraft Shenzhou 13 with a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. On board are three taikonauts, including commander Zhai Zhigang and Ye Guangfu, flying for the first time. The commentators anticipate a six-month stay.

After ignition, the rocket begins its pitch maneuver within a few seconds and jettisons the escape tower around the two-minute mark. The four strap-on boosters, the first stage and the payload fairing then separate. The second stage runs on a main engine with about 75 tonnes of thrust and four vernier engines that control attitude. When the main engine shuts down, the verniers keep adjusting the trajectory to fine-tune the orbit. The feed combines cameras mounted on the rocket, infrared views, the inside of the cabin and a 3D animation based on telemetry. The commentators explain that the crew withstands between three and five g, along with vibrations.

The spacecraft successfully separates from the second stage and the crew enters microgravity, with a manual floating as an indicator. The broadcast ends with confirmation of the solar panel deployment.