The Thien Cung station will be completed with another module with many ports for connection to the spacecraft instead of the current T-shaped main structure with 3 modules.
(Video: ϹNSpaceFlight)
China’s projects Expansion of the Thien Cung space station By launching a new module linked to the existing T-structure and create a cross-shaped combination, CGTN reported on March 1. China completed the T-shaped main structure of Thien Cung station in November last year with 3 modules. The station weighs about 66 tons, only a small fraction of the 465 tons of the International Space Station (ISS).
According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the new module will act as a junction cabin and will be equipped with numerous docking ports like the Tianhe core module, allowing the space station to pair with more ships.
The CMSA added that China plans to expand the Thien Cung station’s orbital operations by making upgrades. The station will shift its priority from technological advances during the construction phase to the performance of space applications.
At Thien Cung station, a series of experiments are underway or about to start. Some aim to find ways to combat microorganisms that can damage metals on spacecraft, produce oxygen from algae in space, and convert heat into electricity.
Astronauts on the Shenzhou 15 mission (who currently live and work on the Tiangong station) obtained 3D structural images of skin cells using the two-photon microscope developed by China. This is the first microscope of this type in the world.
Extensive simulation of the Chinese space station.
Simulation of the enlarged Chinese space station.
In the coming years, more than 65 projects will be deployed on the space station. This effort aims to advance key technologies in specialty materials preparation, regenerative medicine and stem cells, high-precision time-frequency systems and precise quantum measurements, according to CMSA.
China Space Survey Telescope, also known as China Space Station Telescope (CSST), is about to launch and become part of the space station project. During normal observations, the telescope will fly independently of the Thien Cung station but in the same orbit.
The CSST is an optical observatory in space that helps astronomers carry out sky surveys, draw up maps or take photos. It can partner with the space station for refueling and scheduled maintenance or as needed. This allows the CSST to have lower maintenance costs than NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
The CMSA said this leading Chinese telescope is expected to study an area of the sky measuring 17,500 square degrees for 10 years after its operation, helping to explore major scientific problems such as the increasing expansion of the universe, matter black and dark energy.
Article source: VnExpress
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Thien Cung station recently added another module with many ports to connect to the spacecraft instead of the current T-shaped main structure with 3 modules….
