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China to Expand Tiangong Space Station, Boosting Science and Cooperation
China is poised to launch additional modules to its Tiangong space station, aiming to address escalating demands for scientific research and potentially foster greater international collaboration. The expansion of the orbital outpost signifies China’s commitment to maintaining a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. These new additions are expected to significantly enhance the station’s capabilities and usage.
Long March 5B Rocket to Deliver New Modules
The Long March 5B rocket, currently China’s most potent launch vehicle, is scheduled to transport the new Tiangong modules. According to an official from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), this rocket will play a crucial role in the ongoing development of the space station.
- “According to the plan, the Long March 5B rocket will also carry out the future launches of additional modules for the crewed space station,” stated Wang Jue from CASC.
While a specific timetable for these missions remains undisclosed, these remarks reinforce the plan to augment Tiangong, which was constructed between 2021 and 2022 and currently consists of three modules in a T-shape.
Growing Demands on Tiangong
Chinese space authorities have previously mentioned the potential for expanding Tiangong. A recent report highlighted the increasing experimental requirements that are placing greater strain on the space station’s available space and power resources.
Multi-Functional Expansion Module
Initial reports suggest that a multi-functional expansion module may be the first addition. This module would include six docking ports and connect to Tiangong’s core module, Tianhe, enabling the integration of further modules into the station. Such an addition provides several benefits:
- Enhanced opportunities for scientific research
- Increased payload hosting capacity
- Greater scope for international cooperation, especially for crewed missions
International Astronauts to Tiangong
Earlier this year, China’s human spaceflight agency announced plans to train astronauts from Pakistan for missions to Tiangong, marking the first instance of international astronauts visiting the station. Discussions with other countries are also underway regarding potential astronaut flights to Tiangong.
New-Generation Crew Spacecraft
China is also developing a next-generation crew spacecraft with two versions: one for low Earth orbit (LEO) and another, named Mengzhou, for crewed lunar missions. The partially reusable LEO version can transport up to 6-7 astronauts to Tiangong, or a smaller number of astronauts along with up to 500 kilograms of cargo.
- Improved options and flexibility for missions.
- Current Shenzhou spacecraft carry three astronauts for six-month missions.
- Flights with international partners likely to be shorter and involve fewer responsibilities, initially.
The inaugural launch of the Long March 10 rocket, intended for carrying the new-generation LEO spacecraft, is slated for 2026. A common booster core variant is under development for Mengzhou and the crewed lunar mission targeted for launch before 2030.
China’s Commitment to LEO Presence
This anticipated expansion underscores China’s long-term dedication to sustaining a permanent manned presence in low Earth orbit, independent of the International Space Station. This happens even as it pursues manned lunar ambitions. This commitment comes as a NASA budget proposal considers reducing funding for the ISS and when support for commercial replacements remains ambiguous.
Long March 5B Safety Enhancements
Wang also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve safety during the Long March 5B launches, potentially referencing the uncontrolled re-entries of the first stage used to construct Tiangong.
Improving Reliability and Safety
The main objectives focus on improving reliability and safety.
- Improved controlled re-entry safety of the first stage through design optimization.
- Increased maturity and stability of the Long March 5B to enhance inherent reliability during missions.
Recently, the Long March 5B has been deployed to launch satellites for the Guowang megaconstellation, utilizing a Yuanzheng-2 upper stage to place payloads into orbit, with the first stage undergoing a planned suborbital descent into the ocean.
Xuntian Space Telescope Launch
The subsequent Long March 5B launch for the Tiangong space station is likely to be the Xuntian space telescope launch. A space telescope, boasting a 2.0-meter aperture and a field of view 300 times greater than Hubble, allows for extensive surveys of the sky over a 10-year period.
- Xuntian features a 2.5-gigapixel survey camera.
- Will examine phenomena such as dark matter, dark energy, and galaxy formation.
- Will co-orbit with Tiangong, allowing for potential docking for maintenance, repairs, refueling and upgrades.
Although Xuntian’s launch has seen delays, recent presentations indicate a potential launch date in December 2026.