|
|
China successfully launches its first Space Lab Module
|
China has succesfully launched its first space lab module into orbit. A Long March 2F Rocket carrying the module lifted off at 9:16am EDT (9:16pm local) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China. The Lab Module is named Tiangong-1 and is expected to stay on orbit for two years following today’s launch.
Photo: CCTV
|
The mission was delayed to investigate the failure of a Long March 2C rocket that is similar to the 2F version in many aspects. Investigators identified the Control System of the rocket’s second stage as the cause of the mishap and it was made sure that the problem would not occur on this launch. The 203-feet tall rocket was rolled to the launch pad from its assembly facility on Tuesday to set the stage for today’s liftoff. The Long March 2F is China's only rocket certified to launch manned capsules and has 8 successful flights to date. It is a two stage rocket with four strap-on boosters. All of those use toxic and explosive Hydrazine and Nitrogen Tetroxide as propellants. China has declared the launch and ascent a complete success.
It is China’s first step in its effort to construct its own orbiting space station. Tiangong-1 is 34 feet long and 11 feet in diameter. It weighs 18,750 pounds and provides 530 cubic feet of pressurized volume. Power is generated by two deployable solar arrays. |
 Photo: China Manned Space Engineering Office Artist's Illustration of Tiangong-1 in Orbit. Clearly visible at the front end is its docking port which will receive Shenzhou Spacecraft
|
 Photo: China Manned Space Engineering Office Tiangong and Shenzhou flying in formatioon in preparation for docking.
|
One of Tiangong’s (translated: Heavenly Palace) key mission objectives will be the demonstration of dockings in space which are essential for assembling a large Space Station. The first docking will occur on the Shenzhou-8 mission. This will be an unmanned demonstration flight and is planned to launch later this year. When those vehicles have performed a successful docking, it will be the first time that two Chinese spacecraft mated in orbit. Launch could occur as early as late october or early November. Shenzhou 9 and 10 are expected to be manned missions to Tiangong-1 in 2012. Both flights will be short duration flights. Their objectives are space science, medical studies and technological demonstrations. Up to this point, China successfully sent humans to space three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2008. The country has the goal of having a constant human presence in orbit by 2020 when the first large Chinese Space Station opens for buisness.
|
More Tiangong modules are currently under development and are scheduled to carry out more ambitious missions including long duration flights with more advanced objectives in science &technology and docking capabilities for more than one capsule.
China will begin the assembly of its own space station when a new Heavy Lift Vehicle will be ready to launch bigger modules into space. This station will be about as big as NASA’s Skylab Station that orbited the Earth in the 1970s giving a home and working platform to three long duration crews and providing basic knowledge on Space Station Operations that are now used in the ISS Program.
Over the coming days, Tiangong will undergo an activation and checkout process to make sure it is ready to begin on orbit operations and receive manned capsules.
China will begin the assembly of its own space station when a new Heavy Lift Vehicle will be ready to launch bigger modules into space. This station will be about as big as NASA’s Skylab Station that orbited the Earth in the 1970s giving a home and working platform to three long duration crews and providing basic knowledge on Space Station Operations that are now used in the ISS Program.
Over the coming days, Tiangong will undergo an activation and checkout process to make sure it is ready to begin on orbit operations and receive manned capsules.
