Posted by Ray Katz in current, history
Waiting for the Chinese space station
We’ve seen space stations before. The old Soviet Union got the ball rolling in early 1970s with the first—the Salyut space stations. Next, America launched Skylab, which remains to this day the single largest “room” ever in space. (It was created from a hollowed-out stage of a Saturn rocket.)
The Soviets produced Mir, a multi-module space station, which replaced the Salyuts.
Model of the planned Chinese space station
Then, the International Space Station was launched. It’s the only active space station today. But, when China launches its planned space station…that will end.
When? According to recent reports, the first module of their station, “Tiangong-1″ (meaning “heavenly place”) will launch near the end of 2010. An unmanned craft with dock with Tiangong-1 in 2011. And, later, Taikonauts (Chinese astronauts) will follow.
The Chinese have launched 3 successful manned missions, including a 3-man mission that included a spacewalk.
In any case, the Chinese have ambitious space plans—which includes a manned lunar landing, a permanent lunar base, and exploration of Mars. Difficult stuff. Big plans. Time will tell how far, and where, they will go.
