Posted on 01/21/2010 10:05:47 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
We could be less than a year away from the launch of Tiangong-1, China's first space laboratory. We've been expecting this launch for years, but relatively little is still known about this mission. We have grown used to seeing computer-generated artwork of this small, stubby laboratory module, not much larger than the Shenzhou crew-carrying spacecraft that will dock with it. China Central Television has also broadcast short video clips showing the module undergoing assembly, and periodically, a short news report on the mission pops up in the Chinese media.
Beyond this, not much is really known about Tiangong. We don't even know if the launch will take place this year or in 2011. The Chinese themselves probably don't know for sure at this stage.
Tiangong doesn't have to meet any launch windows for reaching planets, so the Chinese can afford to take their time with the launch. As with any new spacecraft, there's probably a lot of debugging to perform, then more testing. It would not be surprising if the laboratory didn't take off before the end of 2010.
What do we know for sure? Tiangong seems to consist of a short, cylindrical pressurized module, with not much more internal volume for the crew than a Shenzhou spacecraft. To the rear of this is a service module, containing two solar panel wings, a propulsion system and other gear. The service module has a slightly smaller diameter than the pressurized module.
Tiangong also boasts a Russian-derived APAS-style docking system, with three guidance "petals" at its front to interlock with an identical docking collar. Artwork and video footage of Tiangong also reveals a cylindrical device pointing outwards from the rear of the pressurized module.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacedaily.com ...
FOB platform.................
You are right
sonofstrangelove ~ You are right
Not likely. The whole point of a spacelab is to spend extended time in orbit. That's the opposite of a fractional orbit.
Doubtless it will do military research, though.
You really think the Chicoms would care if the possible "dual purpose" station might end up stranding the occupants?
The contents of the station would be the issue, the station just the convenient bus to carry them with a plausible cover story............
The thing about sending Chinese astronauts to their death in space is that in 3 hours you feel like doing it again.
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