# Mengtian

> module of the Tiangong space station

**Wikidata**: [Q28671166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28671166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mengtian_module)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mengtian

## Summary
Mengtian is a laboratory cabin module of the Tiangong space station, launched by China in October 2022. It serves as a key research facility for scientific experiments in low Earth orbit, complementing the core Tianhe module.

## Key Facts
- **Part of Tiangong space station**: Mengtian is one of the primary modules of China's space station, launched on October 31, 2022.
- **Mass**: Weighs 23 tonnes, with a length of 17.9 meters and a diameter of 4.2 meters.
- **Volume**: Has an internal volume of 110 cubic meters, designed for scientific research.
- **Launch vehicle**: Launched aboard the Long March 5B rocket (Y4 variant) from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.
- **Operator**: Operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
- **Docking**: Successfully docked with the Tianhe core module on November 3, 2022.
- **Manufacturer**: Built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.
- **Orbit**: Operates in low Earth orbit (LEO).
- **Aliases**: Also known as MT, Mengtian Lab Module, and 梦天舱 in Chinese.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Mengtian's primary function in the Tiangong space station?
A: Mengtian is a specialized laboratory module designed for scientific research, including experiments in microgravity and space science.

### Q: When was Mengtian launched, and how did it connect to the space station?
A: Mengtian was launched on October 31, 2022, and docked with the Tianhe core module on November 3, 2022, using automated systems.

### Q: Who operates Mengtian, and what organization built it?
A: Mengtian is operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), and it was manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.

### Q: What are the key dimensions of Mengtian?
A: Mengtian has a mass of 23 tonnes, a length of 17.9 meters, and a diameter of 4.2 meters, with an internal volume of 110 cubic meters.

### Q: How does Mengtian differ from other space station modules?
A: Mengtian is China's first dedicated laboratory module, designed specifically for scientific research in space, unlike earlier modules that served as living or core modules.

## Why It Matters
Mengtian plays a crucial role in advancing China's capabilities in space science and long-duration human spaceflight. As part of the Tiangong space station, it enables experiments in microgravity, fluid physics, materials science, and space medicine. Its successful integration into the station demonstrates China's growing expertise in space infrastructure and scientific research. Mengtian also supports the station's expansion, allowing for more complex experiments and the potential for future crewed missions. By providing a dedicated research environment, it contributes to China's broader goals in space exploration and technological advancement.

## Notable For
- **First dedicated laboratory module** in the Tiangong space station, designed for scientific research.
- **Successful automated docking** with the Tianhe core module, showcasing China's precision in space operations.
- **Large internal volume** (110 cubic meters) for conducting experiments in microgravity.
- **Part of China's growing space station** infrastructure, supporting long-term human presence in orbit.
- **Built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology**, a key player in China's space program.

## Body
### Overview
Mengtian is a laboratory cabin module of the Tiangong space station, launched on October 31, 2022. It serves as a key research facility for scientific experiments in low Earth orbit, complementing the core Tianhe module.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 23 tonnes
- **Length**: 17.9 meters
- **Diameter**: 4.2 meters
- **Volume**: 110 cubic meters
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 5B (Y4 variant)
- **Launch Site**: Wenchang Satellite Launch Center

### Launch and Docking
- **Launch Date**: October 31, 2022, at 07:37:23 UTC
- **Docking Date**: November 3, 2022, at 20:27 UTC
- **Docking Port**: Forward port of the Tianhe core module

### Operator and Manufacturer
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration (CNSA)
- **Manufacturer**: Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology

### Orbit and Function
- **Orbit**: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- **Primary Function**: Scientific research, including experiments in microgravity, fluid physics, materials science, and space medicine

### Aliases and Identifiers
- **Aliases**: MT, Mengtian Lab Module, 梦天舱
- **COSPAR ID**: 2022-143A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2022-143A

### Significance
Mengtian is a critical component of the Tiangong space station, enabling advanced research and supporting China's ambitions in space exploration. Its successful deployment and integration highlight China's technological advancements in space infrastructure and scientific research.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report