Tiangong-2
A display mock-up of Tiangong-2.
|
|
| Station statistics | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 |
| Launch | Q3 of 2016 (planned)[1] |
| Mass | 20,000 kilograms (44,000 lb) |
| Length | 14.4 metres (47 ft) |
| Diameter | 4.2 metres (14 ft) |
| References: [2] | |
Tiangong-2 (Chinese: 天宫二号; pinyin: Tiāngōng èrhào; literally: "Heavenly Palace 2") is a planned Chinese space laboratory and part of the Project 921-2 space station program. Tiangong-2 was originally expected to be launched by the China National Space Agency by 2015[3] to replace the prototype module Tiangong-1, which was launched in September 2011.[4] In September 2014, its launch was delayed to 2016.[5]
History
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.
In March 2011, Chinese officials stated that Tiangong-2 was scheduled to be launched by 2015,[6][3] following the deorbit of Tiangong-1. Unmanned cargo spacecraft will dock with the station,[3] allowing for resupply.[7][needs update]
In September 2014, its launch was pushed to 2016.[5] Once in orbit, it is planned to be visited by manned mission Shenzhou 11 and unmanned resupply mission Tianzhou 1. That resupply mission will use the unmanned resupply craft Tianzhou.[8]
Development specifications
The expected specifications of Tiangong-2 will be as follows:
- Crew size: 3, with 20 days of life support resources.[6]
- Length: 14.4 metres (47 ft).[2]
- Maximum diameter: 4.2 metres (14 ft).[2]
- Mass: 20,000 kilograms (44,000 lb).[2]
See also
- Chinese space program
- Chinese space station – a multi-module orbital station, planned for launch around 2020
- International Space Station
- Shenzhou program
- Salyut programme – a Soviet space station with a similar monolithic design
References
- ↑ http://english.cntv.cn/2016/02/29/VIDEgQy5Bz5bYbZSWreqaA5i160229.shtml
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ "Tiangong-1 launch betrays China's earthly ambitions". BBC. 29 September 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ "China manned spaceflight program" (PDF). The Space Review. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
