ZYS Bearing Supports Shenzhou-20 Mission to the Cosmos

At 17:00 on April 24, 2025, the Long March-2F Yao-20 carrier rocket successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft, marking a complete success of the mission.

This mission inaugurated the fifth manned flight in the application and development phase of the space station and the 35th flight mission of China's manned space program. Once again, the critical products developed by the ZYS played a vital role, providing solid support for the nation's dream of exploring the cosmos.

As a key supplier of specialized bearings for the Shenzhou series of manned spacecraft, the ZYS, leveraging its profound technical expertise and exceptional manufacturing capabilities, once again delivered high-quality products for the mission. In the rocket engine system, the institute's large-load, high-speed three-point contact ball bearings, double-half inner ring three-point contact ball bearings, and cryogenic high-speed bearings for turbopumps—all critical components—served as the reliable "power heart" of the rocket, ensuring its stable ascent.

The institute also made significant contributions to the manned spacecraft system. Its high-precision, low-noise self-lubricating bearings and components, tailored for the drive system, ensured the stable operation of critical rotating mechanisms. Corrosion-resistant bearings developed for the renewable environmental control and life support system provided a safety barrier for astronauts' health. Additionally, products such as transmission yoke special-shaped components and vacuum grease-lubricated bearings, serving as the transmission core of the carbon dioxide reduction subsystem, offered robust support for astronauts' long-term stay in orbit.

For years, the ZYS has been deeply committed to the field of aerospace-specific bearings, supplying high-quality and reliable aerospace-grade bearings and critical standalone equipment for various projects, including the Shenzhou spacecraft series, Long March rocket series, and the Chang'e lunar exploration program, ensuring the smooth operation of these "national treasures." Moving forward, the institute will actively fulfill its mission of "leveraging the strengths of national machinery to serve the needs of the nation," striving for further achievements in building China into a powerhouse in aerospace and technology.