China launches core module of new space station to orbit

The launch was broadcast by China Central Television.

The PRC recognized the launch of the base module of its future space station as successful.

The main module - "Tianhe" - is 16.6 m long and 4.2 m in diameter. Today it is the largest spacecraft created in the PRC.

The module will house the control and management center, as well as the main living space for the crew - about 50 cubic meters. It is also planned to conduct scientific and technological experiments there.

In addition, the living space is provided in the experimental modules, its total area will be about 110 cubic meters. m.

The main module is equipped with two docking stations for experimental compartments, docking ports for manned and cargo ships.

According to the station chief designer Zhu Guangchenya, the previous orbital laboratories developed in China - Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 - were like a one-bedroom apartment, and the new one is like an apartment with three bedrooms, a living room, a dining room and a storage room...

It is reported that the station will have a T-shape and weigh about 66 tons. The main compartment will be located in the center of the station, the experimental compartments "Wentian" and "Mengtian", each of which weighs about 20 tons, will be docked on both sides.

At the same time, three cosmonauts (taikunauts) or six people with a change of crew will be able to stay at the station for ten days.

It's worth reminding that Russia and China are planning to create a space station to explore the moon. This is one of the projects for the study of deep space, which the countries plan to implement jointly, reported the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Russian Federation Zhang Hanhui.