China has big ambitions for the new Tiangong space station

Officials Chinese space said that the Thien Cung space station could soon link up with a powerful telescope and host international commercial and astronaut activities.

The details were revealed during a press conference in April, after the Shenzhou 13 astronaut returns to Earth after the record time on the Tianhe module of the Thien Cung space station 182 days.

According to Mr. Hao Chun – Director of China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), the six important missions will begin in May with a resupply mission, followed by a flight with a crew of Shen. Chau 14 lasts for 6 months in June.

The second module, Thien Van, will be launched into orbit in July, followed by the third and final module, Mong Thien, scheduled to launch in October.

The Tianzhou 5 and Shenzhou 15 cargo missions will kick off later this year, when the Shenzhou 14 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station will welcome the first rotating astronauts, thanks to additional living area in Thien Van module.

Once fully assembled, the Thien Cung space station will be home to six-month crewed missions during which astronauts will conduct a series of experiments and approach operations. The experiments will mainly focus on life sciences, microgravity research, astronomy, Earth science, new materials and space technology, Chinese space officials said.

The original plan, first laid out in 1992, called for the three-module Thien Cung space station to be able to host crews non-stop for 10 years. Two crewed spacecraft and two cargo spacecraft will be launched each year.

Telescope Xuntian spaceflight, which will operate in the same orbit as Tiangong and be docked for refueling and maintenance, will be launched by the end of 2023, according to Hao.

“The telescope will conduct pre-scientific research into the formation and evolution of the universe, dark matter and dark energy, exoplanets and solar system objects, and project will ensure a series of major innovative breakthroughs,” said Mr. Hao.

However, CMSEO is also looking at expanding both the space station and its reach, and introducing new ways to reach the Tiangong.

“We are developing modules and expansion cabins of the spacecraft to conduct more experiments and provide better living conditions for the astronauts,” Hao said. Thien Cung could eventually be expanded into 6 modules, with the addition of new versions of Thien Ha and experimental modules Thien Van and Mong Thien, according to the previously stated expansion plan.

A reusable next-generation launch vehicle and a next-generation crewed spacecraft, capable of carrying up to seven astronauts, are also in development. Currently, China uses Long March 2F and Shenzhou spaceship to put astronauts in orbit.

Thien Cung may also host commercial missions in the near future. “We will also actively explore models of commercial spaceflight for humans and cargo spaceflight,” said Mr. Hao.

When asked about international cooperation, Mr. Hao stated that, China “will definitely carry out deeper exchanges and cooperation with all countries in the world committed to the peaceful use of outer space.” outside”.

In March, Yang Liwei – who made history in 2003 when he became China’s first astronaut in space – told the press that untrained astronauts would be able to fly to Thien Cung, perhaps before the end of the decade.

First, however, China needs to improve Thien Cung space station. The next launch will be the Tianzhou 4 cargo mission. The 13,500kg spacecraft will take off on a Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang, carrying fuel and supplies for the Shenzhou 14 mission, is expected to launch in June.