China launches space station module

China has launched Tianhe – a module containing what will be living quarters for three astronauts. Tianhe is the first part of its permanent Tiangong Space Station that it plans to complete in 2022.


Shenzhou (Divine Vessel) 
1. Service module (avionics, communications, fuel, air, water)
2. Descent module 
3. Habitation module

Tianhe
4. Habitation unit
5. Service module

1 2 3 4 5 

Shenzhou spacecraft
Based on Russian Soyuz-TM design, carries up to three astronauts inside re-entry module

Core module of Tiangong Space Station


Milestones in China’s space station project

China has conducted multiple tests via two space labs, Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2, in run-up to construction of Tiangong space station

2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Sep 2011: Tiangong-1 launched to carry out docking and orbit experiments

Nov: Unmanned Shenzhou-8 spacecraft launched, performs rendezvous with Tiangong-1

Jun 2012: Shenzhou-9, carrying three astronauts, docks with Tiangong-1. Crew stays for 13 days

Jun 2013: Three astronauts on Shenzhou-10 spend 15 days on Tiangong-1

Sep 2016: Tiangong-2, space station testbed launched

Oct: Shenzhou-11 carrying two crew, docks with Tiangong-2. Astronauts spend 30 days in space conducting experiments

Apr 29, 2021: China launches Tianhe

May: Uncrewed cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies and propellant

Jun: Shenzhou-12. Three astronauts to spend six months on Tianhe


China’s planned space station

Total weight 100 tonnes
16.6m
Wentian lab module
Shenzhou
Mengtian lab module
14.4m
Tianhe core module
Cargo spacecraft


Sources: Reuters, New Scientist 
Image: China National Space Agency 
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