Tiangong (Chinese: 天宫; pinyin: Tiāngōng; literally "Heavenly Palace") is a space station program of the People's Republic of China, with the goal of creating a third generation space station, comparable to MIR. This program is autonomous and unconnected to any other international space-active countries.[1] The program began in 1992 as Project 921-2. As of March 2011[update], China is moving forward on a large multiphase construction program that will lead to a large space station around 2020.[2]
China launched its first space laboratory, Tiangong 1, on September 29, 2011. Following Tiangong 1, a more advanced space laboratory complete with cargo ship, dubbed Tiangong 2, will be built. Tiangong 3 will continue to develop these technologies. The project will culminate with a large orbital station, which will consist of a 20-ton core module, 2 smaller research modules, and cargo transport craft.[3] It will support three astronauts for long-term habitation[2] and is scheduled to be completed just as the International Space Station is currently scheduled to be retired.[4]
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In 1999, Project 921-2 was finally given official authorization. Two versions of the station were studied: an 8-metric ton "space laboratory" and 20-metric ton "space station".
In 2000, the first model of the planned space station was unveiled at Expo 2000 in Hanover. This was made up of modules derived from the orbital module of the Shenzhou spacecraft. Overall length of the station would be around 20 m, with a total mass of under 40 metric tons, with possibility of expansion through addition of further modules.
In 2001, Chinese engineers described a three-step process toward the realization of Project 921. The original target date for the fulfillment of the project was 2010.
Originally, China planned to simply dock Shenzhou 8 and Shenzhou 9 together to form a simple space laboratory. However, it was decided to abandon that plan and launch a small space laboratory instead. In 2007, plans for an 8-metric ton "space laboratory" being launched in 2010 under the designation of Tiangong 1 were made public. This would be an eight ton space laboratory module with two docking ports. Subsequent flights (Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10) will dock with the laboratory.[5]
On September 29, 2008, Zhang Jianqi (张建启), Vice Director of China crewed space engineering, declared in an interview of China Central Television [6] it is Tiangong 1 (i.e. not Shenzhou 8) that will be the 8-ton "target vehicle", and Shenzhou 8, Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 will all be spaceships to dock with Tiangong 1 in turn.
At 1 Oct. 2008, Shanghai Space Administration, which participate in the development of Shenzhou 8, stated [7] that they have succeeded in the simulated experiments for the docking of Tiangong 1 and Shenzhou 8.
Another 8-metric ton "space laboratory" will be launched sometime between 2012 and 2017.
The full 60-metric ton "space station" has been delayed to ~2020-2022, and will support three astronauts for long-term habitation.[2]
Chinese efforts to develop LEO space station capabilities will begin with a space laboratory phase, with the launch of three Tiangong space modules.[2]
The Chinese docking target consists of a propulsion (resource) module, and a pressurized module for experiments, with a docking mechanism at either end. The docking port of the experiment section supports automated docking.[8] It's length is 10.5 metres (34 ft), diameter is 3.4 metres (11 ft),[2] with a mass of 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb). Launched on September 29, 2011, it is intended for short stays of a crew of three.
The Chinese Space Lab will be launched in 2013.[2] Configuration is as follows:
As of March 2011[update], the Chinese Space Lab is planned to be launched in the 2015 timeframe.[2]
| Drawing of Shenzhou and Cargo ship docked to the large orbital station | ||
| Station statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2-3 | |
| Launch | ~2020-2022 | |
| Mass | 60,000 kg | |
| Length | ~ 20.00 m | |
| Diameter | ~ 3.00 m | |
China plans to build what may be only the world's third multi-module space station.[1] The previous separate components will be integrated into a space station, arranged as[2]:
The larger station will be assembled in 2020-2022 and have a design lifetime of ten years. The complex will weigh approximately 60,000 kilograms (130,000 lb) and will support three astronauts for long-term habitation.[2] The public is being asked to submit suggestions for names and symbols to adorn the space station and cargo ship. "Considering past achievements and the bright future, we feel that the crewed space program should have a more vivid symbol and that the future space station should carry a resounding and encouraging name," Wang Wenbao, director of the office, said at the news conference. "We now feel that the public should be involved in the names and symbols as this major project will enhance national prestige, and strengthen the national sense of cohesion and pride," Wang said.[9]
After the success of China's crewed space launch, a Chinese official expressed interest in joining the International Space Station program.[11] In 2010 ESA Director-General Jean-Jacques Dordain stated his agency was ready to propose to the other 4 partners that China, India and South Korea be invited to join the ISS partnership.[12]China has indicated a willingness to cooperate further with other countries on manned exploration.[13]
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