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{{Short description|Chinese space station (2016–2019)}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2021}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox space station {{Infobox space station
| station = Tiangong-2 Space Laboratory<br />天宫二号空间实验室 | station = Tiangong-2<br />天宫二号
| station_image = Model of the Chinese Tiangong Shenzhou.jpg | station_image = Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 rendering.jpg
| station_image_caption = A rendering of '']'' (left) docked to ''Tiangong 2''.
| station_image_size = 240px | station_image_size = 300px
| station_image_caption = A display model of Tiangong-2 docked to the ].
| configuration_image = Tiangong_1_drawing_(cropped).png
⚫ | extra_image =
| configuration_caption = Plan diagram of ''Tiangong 2'' with ]s extended
| extra_image_size =

| extra_image_caption =
| insignia = | COSPAR_ID = 2016-057A
| insignia_size = | SATCAT = 41765
| insignia_caption = | sign =
| sign = | crew = 2 (from ])<br />19 October – 17 November 2016
| crew = 2 (from ], October 2016) | launch = 15 September 2016,<br />14:04:09 ]
⚫ | launch_pad = ], ]
| launch = 15 September 2016, 22:04:09 (UTC+8)
| carrier_rocket = ]
⚫ | launch_pad = ] ]
| reentry = | reentry = 19 July 2019
| mass = {{convert|8.6|tonne|abbr=on}} | mass = {{cvt|8600|kg}}
| length = {{convert|10.4|m|abbr=on}} | length = {{cvt|10.4|m}}
| diameter = {{convert|3.35|m|abbr=on}} | diameter = {{cvt|3.35|m}}
| volume = | volume = {{cvt|14|m3}}
| pressure = | pressure =

| perigee ={{convert|369.65|km|abbr=on}}
| apogee ={{convert|378.4|km|abbr=on}} | perigee = {{cvt|369.65|km}}
| inclination =42.79° | apogee = {{cvt|378.4|km}}
| altitude = | inclination = 42.79°
| speed ={{convert|7.68|km/s|abbr=on}} | speed = {{cvt|7.68|km/s}}
| period = 92&nbsp;minutes | period = 92.0 minutes
| orbits_day = | in_orbit =
| in_orbit = | occupied = 26 days 11.3 hours

⚫ | occupied =
| orbits = | as_of = 22 September 2016
⚫ | stats_ref = <ref name=chinaspacereport-tiangong2/><ref name=ukg20110426/><ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135689907/><ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978/><ref name=cnn-20160915/><ref name=spacetrack-41765d20160922/>
⚫ | distance =
| as_of =2016-09-22 00:00:00&nbsp;UTC
⚫ | stats_ref =<ref name=ukg20110426/><ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135689907 /><ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978 /><ref name=cnn-20160915 /><ref name=spacetrack-41765d20160922 />
}} }}
{{Infobox Chinese {{Infobox Chinese
| title='''Tiangong-2''' | title = '''Tiangong-2'''
| altname='''Space Laboratory''' | altname = '''Space Laboratory'''
| showflag=stp | showflag = stp
| s=天宫二号 | s = 天宫二号
| t=天宮二號 | t = 天宮二號
| p=Tiāngōng Èrhào | p = Tiāngōng Èrhào
| l=Heavenly Palace-2 or Sky Palace-2 | l = Celestial Palace-2 or Heavenly Palace-2
| w=T'ien<sup>1</sup>kung<sup>1</sup> erh<sup>4</sup>hao<sup>4</sup> | w = T'ien<sup>1</sup>kung<sup>1</sup> erh<sup>4</sup>hao<sup>4</sup>
| j = Tin1 gung1 ji6 hou6
| j=Tingung jihou
| y = Tīngūng yihhouh
| y=Tyangung erhau
| myr = Tyāngūng èrhàu
| poj=
⚫ | poj =
| gr=Tiangong ellhaw | gr = Tiangong ellhaw
| order=st
⚫ | order = st
| s2=空间实验室
| t2=空間實驗室 | s2 = 空间实验室
| t2 = 空間實驗室
| p2=Kōngjiān shíyàn shì | p2 = Kōngjiān shíyàn shì
| l2=Space Laboratory | l2 = Space Laboratory
| w2=k'ung<sup>1</sup>chien<sup>1</sup> shih<sup>2</sup>yen<sup>4</sup> shih<sup>4</sup> | w2 = k'ung<sup>1</sup>chien<sup>1</sup> shih<sup>2</sup>yen<sup>4</sup> shih<sup>4</sup>
| gr2=kongjian shyryann shyh | gr2 = kongjian shyryann shyh

⚫ | insignia =
| insignia_size =
| insignia_caption =
}} }}


'''Tiangong-2''' ({{zh |c = {{linktext|天|宫|二|号}} |p = Tiāngōng èrhào |l = Heavenly Palace 2}}) is a ] space laboratory and part of the ] ] program. Tiangong-2 was launched on 15 September 2016, 22:04:09 (UTC+8).<ref>{{cite web |last=de Selding |first=Peter B. |url = http://spacenews.com/china-prepares-assembly-of-its-space-station-invites-collaboration-through-u-n/ |title=China prepares assembly of its space station, invites collaboration through U.N. |date=20 June 2016|publisher=Space News }}</ref> '''Tiangong-2''' ({{zh|c={{linktext|天|宫|二|号}}|p=Tiāngōng èrhào|l=Heavenly Palace 2}}) was a Chinese space laboratory and part of the ] ] program. Tiangong-2 was launched on 15 September 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=de Selding|first=Peter B.|url=http://spacenews.com/china-prepares-assembly-of-its-space-station-invites-collaboration-through-u-n/|title=China prepares assembly of its space station, invites collaboration through U.N.|date=20 June 2016|publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref> It was deorbited as planned on 19 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/china-set-to-carry-out-controlled-deorbiting-of-tiangong-2-space-lab/|title = China set to carry out controlled deorbiting of Tiangong-2 space lab|date = 12 July 2019}}</ref>


Tiangong-2 is neither designed nor planned to be a permanent orbital station; rather, it is intended as a testbed for key technologies that will be used in China's large modular space station, which is planned for launch in 2023.<ref name="Station2023" /> Tiangong-2 was neither designed nor planned to be a permanent orbital station; rather, it was intended as a testbed for key technologies used in the ] (Chinese large modular space station) of which the first module launched on 29 April 2021<ref>{{cite news |title=China launches first module of new space station |work=BBC News |date=29 April 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-56924370 |access-date=4 June 2021}}</ref> and the remaining modules of which launched in 2022.<ref> Reuters 28 April 2017</ref>


== History == == History ==
{{See also|List of human spaceflights in Tiangong Program}}
The ] published a brief description of Tiangong-2 and its successor ] in 2008, indicating that at least two crewed spaceships would be launched to dock with Tiangong-2.<ref name="ukg20110426"/> The ] published a brief description of Tiangong-2 and its successor ] in 2008, indicating that at least two crewed spaceships would be launched to dock with Tiangong-2.<ref name="ukg20110426"/>


Tiangong-2 was originally expected to be launched by the ] by 2015<ref name="GBT">{{cite web |url = http://gbtimes.com/china/china-launch-tiangong-2-and-cargo-spacecraft-2015 |title=China to launch Tiangong-2 and cargo spacecraft in 2015 |publisher=GB Times |date=13 June 2013 |accessdate=16 June 2013}}</ref> to replace the prototype module ], which was launched in September 2011.<ref>. ]. 29 September 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.</ref> In March 2011, Chinese officials stated that Tiangong-2 was scheduled to be launched by 2015,<ref name=sdc20110307> Tiangong-2 was originally expected to be launched by the ] (CNSA) by 2015 <ref name="GBT">{{cite web|url=http://gbtimes.com/china/china-launch-tiangong-2-and-cargo-spacecraft-2015|title=China to launch Tiangong-2 and cargo spacecraft in 2015|newspaper=GB Times|date=13 June 2013|access-date=16 June 2013|archive-date=18 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318231956/http://gbtimes.com/china/china-launch-tiangong-2-and-cargo-spacecraft-2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> to replace the prototype module ], which was launched in September 2011.<ref> BBC News 29 September 2011 Retrieved 21 November 2011</ref> In March 2011, Chinese officials stated that Tiangong-2 was scheduled to be launched by 2015.<ref name=GBT/><ref name=sdc20110307>{{cite news|last=David|first=Leonard|title=China Details Ambitious Space Station Goals |url=http://www.space.com/11048-china-space-station-plans-details.html|access-date=9 March 2011|publisher=SPACE.com|date=11 March 2011|quote=''China is ready to carry out a multiphase construction program that leads to the large space station around 2020. As a prelude to building that facility, China is set to loft the Tiangong-1 module this year as a platform to help master key rendezvous and docking technologies.''}}</ref> An uncrewed cargo spacecraft will dock with the station,<ref name=GBT/> allowing for resupply.<ref> The Space Review 15 October 2009 Retrieved 21 November 2011</ref>
{{cite news |last=David| first=Leonard |title=China Details Ambitious Space Station Goals |url=http://www.space.com/11048-china-space-station-plans-details.html |accessdate=9 March 2011 |publisher=] |date=11 March 2011 |quote=''China is ready to carry out a multiphase construction program that leads to the large space station around 2020. As a prelude to building that facility, China is set to loft the Tiangong-1 module this year as a platform to help master key rendezvous and docking technologies.''}}</ref><ref name=GBT/> following the deorbit of Tiangong-1. An uncrewed cargo spacecraft will dock with the station,<ref name=GBT/> allowing for resupply.<ref>. The Space Review. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 21 November 2011.</ref>


In September 2014, its launch was pushed to September 2016.<ref name=SpaceDaily-2014-09-11> {{cite news |url= http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Chinas_Space_Station_is_Still_On_Track_999.html |title= China's Space Station is Still On Track |author= Morris Jones |publisher= SpaceDaily |date= 11 September 2014 }} </ref> Plans for visits in October 2016 by the crewed mission ] and the uncrewed resupply craft ] were made public.<ref> {{cite news |url= http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_to_launch_second_space_lab_in_2016_official_999.html |title= China to launch second space lab in 2016: official |date= 10 September 2014 |publisher= SpaceDaily |author= AFP }} </ref> The station was successfully launched from ] aboard a ] rocket on 15 September 2016.<ref name=CCTV-2016-09-15> {{cite news |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goRzJM4PIEI |title= China successfully launches Tiangong-2 space lab |publisher= CCTV News |date= 15 September 2016 }} </ref> In September 2014, its launch was postponed to September 2016.<ref name=SpaceDaily-2014-09-11>{{cite news|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Chinas_Space_Station_is_Still_On_Track_999.html|title=China's Space Station is Still on Track|author=Morris Jones|publisher=SpaceDaily|date= 11 September 2014}}</ref> Plans for visits in October 2016 by the crewed mission ] and the uncrewed resupply craft ] were made public.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_to_launch_second_space_lab_in_2016_official_999.html|title=China to launch second space lab in 2016: official|date=10 September 2014|publisher=SpaceDaily|agency=AFP}}</ref> The station was successfully launched from ] aboard a ] rocket on 15 September 2016.<ref name=CCTV-2016-09-15>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goRzJM4PIEI|title=China successfully launches Tiangong-2 space lab|publisher=CCTV News|date= 15 September 2016}}</ref> ] (Only Expedition) successfully docked with Tiangong-2 on 19 October 2016.{{cn|date=July 2024}}

Aboard the Shenzhou 11, launched from ] in the ] desert, were Commander ] and ] who formed the inaugural crew for the space laboratory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/oct/20/two-crewed-space-stations-now-orbiting-earth-spacewatch|title=Two crewed space stations now orbiting Earth |last=Clark|first=Stuart|date=2016-10-20|newspaper=]|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2016-10-22}}</ref> It was China's first crewed mission for more than three years.

During the 30 days the two astronauts were aboard Tiangong-2, they conducted a number of scientific and technical experiments on the physiological effects of ], tests on human-machine collaboration on in-orbit maintenance technology and released an accompanying satellite successfully. Accompanying photography and near-distance fly-by observation were also carried out. They collected abundant data and made some achievements in programs of ] polarimeter, space cold ] and preparation of new materials.<ref name="shenzhou-11_land">{{cite web |url=http://china.org.cn/china/2016-11/19/content_39742416.htm|title=SCIO briefing on China's Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 manned space mission|publisher=China.org.cn|access-date=24 November 2016|date=19 November 2016}}</ref>

Shenzhou 11 separated from the orbiting Tiangong-2 space laboratory on 17 November 2016, reentry module landed successfully at the expected site in central ] at about 13:59 Beijing Time.<ref name="shenzhou-11_land"/>

On 22 April 2017, the cargo vessel ] successfully docked with Tiangong-2 marking the first successful docking and refuelling with the orbiting space laboratory.<ref name="tianzhou-1"/> It subsequently performed a second docking and refueling on 15 June 2017. On 12 September 2017, Tianzhou-1 performed the third and final docking and refuelling with Tiangong-2, with what is termed a fast docking which took 6.5 hours, rather than 2 days, to complete.<ref name="gt-170912">{{cite web|url=https://gbtimes.com/chinas-tianzhou-1-cargo-craft-and-tiangong-2-space-lab-perform-final-orbital-docking|title=China's Tianzhou-1 cargo craft and Tiangong-2 space laboratory perform final orbital docking|newspaper=GB Times|date=12 September 2017|access-date=15 September 2017|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815164519/https://gbtimes.com/chinas-tianzhou-1-cargo-craft-and-tiangong-2-space-lab-perform-final-orbital-docking|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2018, Tiangong-2 performed orbital maneuvers lowering the orbit to 292 × 297 kilometers, likely in preparation for deorbiting. It then returned to its usual orbit.<ref name=EOL>{{cite web |url=http://spacenews.com/china-appears-to-be-preparing-to-deorbit-its-tiangong-2-space-lab/|title=China appears to be preparing to deorbit its Tiangong 2 space lab|author=Andrew Jones|publisher=SpaceNews |date=20 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencealert.com/tiangong-2-chinese-space-station-lowers-in-altitude-no-explanation|title=China's Space Station Got Weirdly Close to Earth For a Few Days and the Government Isn't Talking|author=Michelle Starr|publisher=Science Alert|date=25 June 2018}}</ref>

In July 2019, the ] announced that it was planning to deorbit Tiangong-2 in the near future, but no specific date was given.<ref>{{cite news|title=China set to carry out controlled deorbiting of Tiangong-2 space lab|first=Andrew|last=Jones|publisher=SpaceNews|date=12 July 2019|url=https://spacenews.com/china-set-to-carry-out-controlled-deorbiting-of-tiangong-2-space-lab/ |access-date=17 July 2019}}</ref> The station subsequently made a controlled reentry on 19 July 2019 and burned up over the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=China has deorbited its experimental space station|newspaper=The Verge|first=Andrew|last=Liptak|date=20 July 2019|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/20/20701831/china-tiangong-2-deorbited-experimental-space-station|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>


== Dimensions == == Dimensions ==
The dimensions of Tiangong-2 are: The dimensions of Tiangong-2 were:
* Crew size: 2, with 30 days of life support resources.<ref name="sdc20110307" /> The crew (from ], October 2016) will consist of two astronauts. * Crew size: 2, with 30 days of life support resources.<ref name="sdc20110307"/> The crew (from ], October 2016) consists of two astronauts.
* Length: {{convert|10.4|m}}.<ref name="ukg20110426">{{cite news |title=China unveils rival to International Space Station |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/26/china-space-station-tiangong |accessdate=27 April 2011 |newspaper=] |date=26 April 2011 |quote=''China often chooses poetic names for its space projects, such as Chang'e – after the moon goddess – for its lunar probes; its rocket series, however, is named Long March, in tribute to communist history. The space station project is currently referred to as Tiangong, or "heavenly palace".'' |location=London |first1=Tania |last1=Branigan |first2=Ian |last2=Sample}}</ref> * Length: {{cvt|10.4|m}}.<ref name="ukg20110426">{{cite news|title=China unveils rival to International Space Station|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/26/china-space-station-tiangong|access-date=27 April 2011|newspaper=The Guardian|date=26 April 2011|quote=''China often chooses poetic names for its space projects, such as Chang'e – after the moon goddess – for its lunar probes; its rocket series, however, is named Long March, in tribute to communist history. The space station project is currently referred to as Tiangong, or "heavenly palace".''|location=London|first1=Tania|last1=Branigan|first2=Ian |last2=Sample}}</ref>
* Maximum diameter: {{convert|4.2|m}}.<ref name="ukg20110426" /> * Maximum diameter: {{cvt|4.2|m}}.<ref name="ukg20110426"/>
* Mass: {{convert|8600|kg}}.<ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978 /> * Mass: {{cvt|8600|kg}}.<ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978/>

== Further developments ==
{{main|Chinese space station}}
] is the core module of the ]. The core module and its other parts launched between 2021 and 2022.


== See also == == See also ==
{{Portal|Human spaceflight|Spaceflight|China}} {{Portal|Spaceflight|China}}
* ] * ]
** ] – a multi-module orbital station, planned for launch around 2020 * ] – a successive multi-module orbital station
** ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] – a Soviet space station with a similar monolithic design * ] – a similar Soviet space station programme


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist|35em|refs= {{Reflist
|refs =
<ref name=chinaspacereport-tiangong2>{{cite web|url=https://chinaspacereport.wordpress.com/spacecraft/tiangong2/|title=Tiangong 2|date=15 May 2016 |publisher=China Space Report|access-date=2022-10-04}}</ref>
<ref name=cnn-20160915>{{cite news |last=Hunt |first=Katie |last2=Bloom |first2=Deborah |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/15/asia/china-launches-tiangong-2-space-lab/ |title=China launches Tiangong-2 space lab |work=CNN News |date=15 September 2016 |accessdate=2016-09-15 }}</ref>

⚫ <ref name=spacetrack-41765d20160922>{{cite web |url=https://www.space-track.org/basicspacedata/query/class/tle_latest/ORDINAL/1/NORAD_CAT_ID/41765/orderby/TLE_LINE1%20ASC/format/3le |title=Space-Track.Org API Access |website=space-track.org |date=2016-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922150706/https://www.space-track.org/basicspacedata/query/class/tle_latest/ORDINAL/1/NORAD_CAT_ID/41765/orderby/TLE_LINE1%20ASC/format/3le |archive-date=2016-09-22 |accessdate=2016-09-15 }}</ref>
<ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135689907>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135689907.htm |title=Tiangong-2 takes China one step closer to space station |publisher=Xinhua |date=2016-09-16 |editor=huaxia |access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref> <ref name=cnn-20160915>{{cite news|last1=Hunt|first1=Katie|last2=Bloom|first2=Deborah|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/15/asia/china-launches-tiangong-2-space-lab/|title=China launches Tiangong-2 space lab |publisher=CNN News|date=15 September 2016|access-date=2016-09-15}}</ref>

⚫ <ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135690978.htm |title=Tiangong-2 space lab may exceed 5 years service life: expert |publisher=Xinhua |date=2016-09-16 |editor=huaxia |access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref>
⚫ <ref name=spacetrack-41765d20160922>{{cite web|url=https://www.space-track.org/basicspacedata/query/class/tle_latest/ORDINAL/1/NORAD_CAT_ID/41765/orderby/TLE_LINE1%20ASC/format/3le|title=Space-Track.Org API Access|website=space-track.org|date=2016-09-22|access-date=2016-09-15}}</ref>
<ref name=Station2023>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24282060|title=China to launch space station by 2023|publisher=BBC|date=26 September 2013|accessdate=1 October 2013}}</ref>

<ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135689907>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135689907.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916014824/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135689907.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 September 2016|title=Tiangong-2 takes China one step closer to space station|publisher=Xinhua News Agency |date=2016-09-16|editor=huaxia|access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref>

⚫ <ref name=xinhuanet20160916c135690978>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135690978.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917132353/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/16/c_135690978.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2016|title=Tiangong-2 space lab may exceed 5 years service life: expert|agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=2016-09-16|access-date=2016-09-16}}</ref>

<ref name=tianzhou-1>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/apr/22/tiangong-1-chinas-first-cargo-spacecraft-docks-with-orbiting-space-lab|title=Tiangong-2: China's first cargo spacecraft docks with orbiting space lab|newspaper=The Guardian|date=22 April 2017|access-date=22 April 2017}}</ref>
}} }}


== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Tiangong-2}}

{{-}}
{{Shenzhou program}} {{Shenzhou program}}
{{China space station}} {{China space station}}
{{Space stations}} {{Space stations}}
{{Orbital launches in 2016}} {{Orbital launches in 2016}}
{{People currently in space}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 15:04, 5 January 2025

Chinese space station (2016–2019)

Tiangong-2
天宫二号
A rendering of Tianzhou 1 (left) docked to Tiangong 2.
Station statistics
COSPAR ID2016-057A
SATCAT no.41765
Crew2 (from Shenzhou 11)
19 October – 17 November 2016
Launch15 September 2016,
14:04:09 UTC
Carrier rocketLong March 2F/G
Launch padJiuquan, LA-4 / SLS-1
Reentry19 July 2019
Mass8,600 kg (19,000 lb)
Length10.4 m (34 ft)
Diameter3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Pressurised volume14 m (490 cu ft)
Periapsis altitude369.65 km (229.69 mi)
Apoapsis altitude378.4 km (235.1 mi)
Orbital inclination42.79°
Orbital speed7.68 km/s (4.77 mi/s)
Orbital period92.0 minutes
Days occupied26 days 11.3 hours
Statistics as of 22 September 2016
References:
Configuration
Plan diagram of Tiangong 2 with solar panels extended
Tiangong-2
Simplified Chinese天宫二号
Traditional Chinese天宮二號
Literal meaningCelestial Palace-2 or Heavenly Palace-2
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinTiāngōng Èrhào
Gwoyeu RomatzyhTiangong ellhaw
Wade–GilesT'ienkung erhhao
Yale RomanizationTyāngūng èrhàu
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationTīngūng yihhouh
JyutpingTin1 gung1 ji6 hou6
Space Laboratory
Simplified Chinese空间实验室
Traditional Chinese空間實驗室
Literal meaningSpace Laboratory
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinKōngjiān shíyàn shì
Gwoyeu Romatzyhkongjian shyryann shyh
Wade–Gilesk'ungchien shihyen shih

Tiangong-2 (Chinese: 天宫二号; pinyin: Tiāngōng èrhào; lit. 'Heavenly Palace 2') was a Chinese space laboratory and part of the Project 921-2 space station program. Tiangong-2 was launched on 15 September 2016. It was deorbited as planned on 19 July 2019.

Tiangong-2 was neither designed nor planned to be a permanent orbital station; rather, it was intended as a testbed for key technologies used in the Tiangong station (Chinese large modular space station) of which the first module launched on 29 April 2021 and the remaining modules of which launched in 2022.

History

See also: List of human spaceflights in Tiangong Program

The China Manned Space Engineering Office published a brief description of Tiangong-2 and its successor Tiangong-3 in 2008, indicating that at least two crewed spaceships would be launched to dock with Tiangong-2.

Tiangong-2 was originally expected to be launched by the China National Space Agency (CNSA) by 2015 to replace the prototype module Tiangong-1, which was launched in September 2011. In March 2011, Chinese officials stated that Tiangong-2 was scheduled to be launched by 2015. An uncrewed cargo spacecraft will dock with the station, allowing for resupply.

In September 2014, its launch was postponed to September 2016. Plans for visits in October 2016 by the crewed mission Shenzhou 11 and the uncrewed resupply craft Tianzhou were made public. The station was successfully launched from Jiuquan aboard a Long March 2F rocket on 15 September 2016. Shenzhou 11 (Only Expedition) successfully docked with Tiangong-2 on 19 October 2016.

Aboard the Shenzhou 11, launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi desert, were Commander Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong who formed the inaugural crew for the space laboratory. It was China's first crewed mission for more than three years.

During the 30 days the two astronauts were aboard Tiangong-2, they conducted a number of scientific and technical experiments on the physiological effects of weightlessness, tests on human-machine collaboration on in-orbit maintenance technology and released an accompanying satellite successfully. Accompanying photography and near-distance fly-by observation were also carried out. They collected abundant data and made some achievements in programs of gamma-ray burst polarimeter, space cold atomic clock and preparation of new materials.

Shenzhou 11 separated from the orbiting Tiangong-2 space laboratory on 17 November 2016, reentry module landed successfully at the expected site in central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at about 13:59 Beijing Time.

On 22 April 2017, the cargo vessel Tianzhou-1 successfully docked with Tiangong-2 marking the first successful docking and refuelling with the orbiting space laboratory. It subsequently performed a second docking and refueling on 15 June 2017. On 12 September 2017, Tianzhou-1 performed the third and final docking and refuelling with Tiangong-2, with what is termed a fast docking which took 6.5 hours, rather than 2 days, to complete.

In June 2018, Tiangong-2 performed orbital maneuvers lowering the orbit to 292 × 297 kilometers, likely in preparation for deorbiting. It then returned to its usual orbit.

In July 2019, the China Manned Space Engineering Office announced that it was planning to deorbit Tiangong-2 in the near future, but no specific date was given. The station subsequently made a controlled reentry on 19 July 2019 and burned up over the South Pacific Ocean.

Dimensions

The dimensions of Tiangong-2 were:

  • Crew size: 2, with 30 days of life support resources. The crew (from Shenzhou 11, October 2016) consists of two astronauts.
  • Length: 10.4 m (34 ft).
  • Maximum diameter: 4.2 m (14 ft).
  • Mass: 8,600 kg (19,000 lb).

Further developments

Main article: Chinese space station

Tianhe is the core module of the Chinese space station. The core module and its other parts launched between 2021 and 2022.

See also

References

  1. "Tiangong 2". China Space Report. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  2. ^ Branigan, Tania; Sample, Ian (26 April 2011). "China unveils rival to International Space Station". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 27 April 2011. China often chooses poetic names for its space projects, such as Chang'e – after the moon goddess – for its lunar probes; its rocket series, however, is named Long March, in tribute to communist history. The space station project is currently referred to as Tiangong, or "heavenly palace".
  3. huaxia, ed. (16 September 2016). "Tiangong-2 takes China one step closer to space station". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  4. ^ "Tiangong-2 space lab may exceed 5 years service life: expert". Xinhua News Agency. 16 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  5. Hunt, Katie; Bloom, Deborah (15 September 2016). "China launches Tiangong-2 space lab". CNN News. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  6. "Space-Track.Org API Access". space-track.org. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  7. de Selding, Peter B. (20 June 2016). "China prepares assembly of its space station, invites collaboration through U.N." SpaceNews.
  8. "China set to carry out controlled deorbiting of Tiangong-2 space lab". 12 July 2019.
  9. "China launches first module of new space station". BBC News. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  10. China to begin construction of manned space station in 2019 Reuters 28 April 2017
  11. ^ "China to launch Tiangong-2 and cargo spacecraft in 2015". GB Times. 13 June 2013. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  12. "Tiangong-1 launch betrays China's earthly ambitions" BBC News 29 September 2011 Retrieved 21 November 2011
  13. ^ David, Leonard (11 March 2011). "China Details Ambitious Space Station Goals". SPACE.com. Retrieved 9 March 2011. China is ready to carry out a multiphase construction program that leads to the large space station around 2020. As a prelude to building that facility, China is set to loft the Tiangong-1 module this year as a platform to help master key rendezvous and docking technologies.
  14. "China manned spaceflight program" The Space Review 15 October 2009 Retrieved 21 November 2011
  15. Morris Jones (11 September 2014). "China's Space Station is Still on Track". SpaceDaily.
  16. "China to launch second space lab in 2016: official". SpaceDaily. AFP. 10 September 2014.
  17. "China successfully launches Tiangong-2 space lab". CCTV News. 15 September 2016.
  18. Clark, Stuart (20 October 2016). "Two crewed space stations now orbiting Earth". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  19. ^ "SCIO briefing on China's Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 manned space mission". China.org.cn. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  20. "Tiangong-2: China's first cargo spacecraft docks with orbiting space lab". The Guardian. 22 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  21. "China's Tianzhou-1 cargo craft and Tiangong-2 space laboratory perform final orbital docking". GB Times. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  22. Andrew Jones (20 June 2018). "China appears to be preparing to deorbit its Tiangong 2 space lab". SpaceNews.
  23. Michelle Starr (25 June 2018). "China's Space Station Got Weirdly Close to Earth For a Few Days and the Government Isn't Talking". Science Alert.
  24. Jones, Andrew (12 July 2019). "China set to carry out controlled deorbiting of Tiangong-2 space lab". SpaceNews. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  25. Liptak, Andrew (20 July 2019). "China has deorbited its experimental space station". The Verge. Retrieved 21 July 2019.

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