Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Over a hundred British scientists gathered here to witness the launch of the New Yuan No. 3 rocket, whose exceptionally tall fairing, measuring 50 meters, made the rocket look very imposing against the vast Gobi desert.
The launch center staff following Penrose and others explained:
"This is the ninth module of the Forward Space Station, codenamed 'Shenkippy.' It is a module designed to provide power and carry scientific equipment, it cannot support astronauts for long-term survival conditions."
The names for the 12 modules, which correspond to the twelve zodiac animals, were only finalized by the Aerospace Development Committee on the eve of the Forward station's completion; the first six being living modules, and the last six being service modules.
The foreigners spent half a day trying to understand and were still somewhat confused, but they nevertheless expressed their admiration.
