# Tiangong space station

> Chinese space station in low Earth orbit

**Wikidata**: [Q5100935](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5100935)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiangong_space_station)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tiangong-space-station

## Summary
The Tiangong space station is a Chinese space station in low Earth orbit, operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). It serves as a space laboratory for research and experiments, with a modular design and a planned service life of at least 10 years.

## Key Facts
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration (CNSA)
- **Inception**: Launched on April 29, 2021, with the Tianhe core module
- **Mass**: Approximately 100,000 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: Length of 55.6 meters and diameter of 39 meters
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 395 km and periapsis of 389.5 km
- **Capacity**: Can accommodate up to 6 passengers
- **Modules**: Includes Tianhe (launched 2021), Wentian (launched 2022), and Mengtian
- **Service Life**: Minimum of 10 years
- **Orbital Period**: 92.2 minutes
- **Volume**: 122 cubic meters

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Tiangong space station?
A: The Tiangong space station is designed for research and experiments in space. It serves as a space laboratory and is part of China's broader space exploration program.

### Q: When was the Tiangong space station launched?
A: The first module, Tianhe, was launched on April 29, 2021. The Wentian module was launched on July 24, 2022.

### Q: How many modules does the Tiangong space station have?
A: The Tiangong space station consists of three main modules: Tianhe, Wentian, and Mengtian.

### Q: What is the capacity of the Tiangong space station?
A: The Tiangong space station can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

### Q: What is the orbital period of the Tiangong space station?
A: The Tiangong space station has an orbital period of 92.2 minutes.

## Why It Matters
The Tiangong space station represents a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts. It provides a platform for scientific research and experiments in microgravity, contributing to advancements in various fields such as biology, physics, and materials science. The station also demonstrates China's growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to long-term human spaceflight. By operating its own space station, China joins a select group of nations with independent space station capabilities, enhancing its position in the global space community. The Tiangong space station also serves as a symbol of national pride and technological achievement for China.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese Space Station**: Tiangong is China's first modular space station, following the smaller Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 stations.
- **Modular Design**: The station is composed of multiple modules, allowing for flexibility and expansion.
- **Research Focus**: Tiangong is primarily a space laboratory, focusing on scientific research and experiments.
- **International Collaboration**: While primarily a Chinese project, Tiangong has the potential for international collaboration in space research.
- **Long Service Life**: The station is designed for a minimum service life of 10 years, ensuring long-term research capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
The Tiangong space station is a Chinese space station in low Earth orbit. It is operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and serves as a space laboratory for research and experiments.

### Launch and Modules
The first module, Tianhe, was launched on April 29, 2021. The Wentian module was launched on July 24, 2022. The station also includes the Mengtian module.

### Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 100,000 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: Length of 55.6 meters and diameter of 39 meters
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 395 km and periapsis of 389.5 km
- **Capacity**: Can accommodate up to 6 passengers
- **Volume**: 122 cubic meters
- **Orbital Period**: 92.2 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 41.58 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.007

### Research and Experiments
The Tiangong space station is designed to conduct a wide range of scientific research and experiments in microgravity. This includes studies in biology, physics, materials science, and other fields.

### Service Life
The station has a planned service life of at least 10 years, ensuring long-term research capabilities.

### International Collaboration
While primarily a Chinese project, the Tiangong space station has the potential for international collaboration in space research, similar to the International Space Station (ISS).

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/04/china-station-construction-begins/)
2. Jonathan's Space Report