Tiangong 2
Tiangong-2
天宫二号
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A display mock-up of Tiangong-2. |
Station statistics |
Crew |
3 |
Launch |
2013 (planned) |
Mass |
20,000 kilograms (44,000 lb) |
Length |
14.4 metres (47 ft) |
Diameter |
4.2 metres (14 ft) |
Tiangong-2 (Chinese: 天宫二号; pinyin: Tiāngōng èrhào; literally "Heavenly Palace 2") will be a Chinese space laboratory, part of the Project 921-2 space station program. Tiangong-2 is expected to be launched by the China National Space Agency in 2013 to replace the prototype module Tiangong-1, which was launched in September 2011.[1]
Development
In 2008, the China Manned Space Engineering Office published a brief description of Tiangong-2 and its successor Tiangong-3, indicating that several manned spaceships would be launched to dock with Tiangong-2. According to Chinese officials, Tiangong-2 is scheduled to be launched around 2013.[2] Unmanned cargo spacecraft will dock with the station, allowing for resupply and long-term human habitation.[3]
Specifications
The expected specifications of Tiangong-2 will be as follows:
- Crew size: 3, with 20 days of life support resources.[2]
- Length: 14.4 metres (47 ft).[4]
- Maximum diameter: 4.2 metres (14 ft).[4]
- Mass: 20,000 kilograms (44,000 lb).[4]
- Docking ports: 2.
See also
References
- ^ "Tiangong-1 launch betrays China's earthly ambitions". BBC News, 29 September 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
- ^ a b David, Leonard (2011-03-11). "China Details Ambitious Space Station Goals". SPACE.com. http://www.space.com/11048-china-space-station-plans-details.html. Retrieved 2011-03-09. "China is ready to carry out a multiphase construction program that leads to the large space station around 2020. As a prelude to building that facility, China is set to loft the Tiangong-1 module this year as a platform to help master key rendezvous and docking technologies."
- ^ "China manned spaceflight program" (PDF). The Space Review, 15 October 2009. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
- ^ a b c Branigan, Tania; Sample, Ian (2011-04-26). "China unveils rival to International Space Station". UK Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/26/china-space-station-tiangong. Retrieved 2011-04-27. "China often chooses poetic names for its space projects, such as Chang'e – after the moon goddess – for its lunar probes; its rocket series, however, is named Long March, in tribute to communist history. The space station project is currently referred to as Tiangong, or "heavenly palace"."
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