For the first time in China a fast return-strategy has been put in place, which should see the spacecraft land on Earth in a matter of hours.
To ensure support arrives as soon as the capsule lands, the landing site's ground team need to respond rapidly.
NIU YONGJIN Commander Shenzhou-13 ground team "A team in helicopters, which are relatively faster, will first set out to search for the module. Then the ground team will arrive, following the prediction of the landing point. Both of these teams will complement each other. If the landing point is not safe enough for the helicopters to land, the ground team will arrive shortly after, and help the taikonauts leave the craft."
The landing site will see 11 teams, nearly 100 vehicles, five helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft, and civilian teams on-hand in the surrounding areas.
FENG YILEI Dongfeng landing site "One of the highlights of the rescue operations is the introduction of new equipment, including a number of vehicles that make the search efforts a lot easier."
For example, a better equipped command vehicle.
LI MING Member of Shenzhou-13 ground rescue team "It functions as a mobile command post."
A bigger search car to carry more operators than before.
LI MING Member of Shenzhou-13 ground team "It's more powerful, and can easily cross tricky roads and surfaces.
And a nine-ton-load vehicle that can take almost all materials needed to help the taikonauts safely evacuate the craft.
LI MING Member of Shenzhou-13 ground team "We have a set of equipment on the ground, and a set in the air – protective suits, an anhydrous hydrazine (fuel) tester, a special opening tool, also known as the key. And this is the operation platform to be set up on the capsule for us to work on it. A flag will also be inserted at the scene, helping it become more stable."
It is also unprecedented for Chinese taikonauts to complete a six-month operation in space.
To offer better shelter for on-site health monitoring and medical care, the team has made a comprehensive plan.
WU YUANLIANG Head of technical group, Landing Site Test Team Astronaut Center Of China "In general, our first choice will be medical vehicles, with tents as alternatives, and the helicopters as backups. There will be more space in both the cars and tents. And in terms of temperature control, the vehicles will be equipped with air conditioners, refrigerators and so on. The environment there is more comfortable, and we will be able to take more measures that can make taikonauts feel at ease."
Teams have been carrying out drills in the final countdown to the mission. The aim is to ensure a fast, safe, and warm welcome. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Dongfeng landing site.