Project 921-2

Infobox Space station
station = Chinese space station
(Project 921 Phase 2)
Tiangong 1
8 ton "target vehicle"
station_

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crew = 3
launch = ~2010-11
launch_pad =
reentry =
mass = 8,000 kg
length = 9.00 m
diameter = 2.80 m
volume =
pressure =
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apogee =
inclination =
altitude =
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period =
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in_orbit =
occupied =
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Infobox Space station
station = Chinese space station
(Project 921 Phase 3)
20-metric ton "space station"
station_

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station_image_landscape=
station_image_size =
station_image_caption = The first model of a planned Chinese space station, unveiled in 2000
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crew = more than 3
launch = ~2019-20
launch_pad =
reentry =
mass = more than 20,000 kg
length = ~ 20.00 m
diameter = ~ 3.00 m
volume =
pressure =
perigee =
apogee =
inclination =
altitude =
speed =
period =
orbits_day =
in_orbit =
occupied =
orbits =
distance =
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configuration_landscape=
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Project 921 is the working name given by the People's Republic of China in 1992 for plans to create a manned space station. It has been said [cite web|url=http://news.ifeng.com/mil/2/200806/0626_340_617870_3.shtml|title=神八2010年首飞 运载火箭将有重大变化(组图)| publisher= 凤凰资讯|date=June 26, 2008|accessdate=July 8|accessyear=2008] that the first vehicle would be Shenzhou 8, but at Sept. 29 2008, Zhang Jianqi ( _zh. 张建启), Vice Director of China manned space engineering, declared in an interview of China Central Television [cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-09-29/145316381853.shtml|title=China will launch small space station in 2010-2011 (in Chinese)|date=2008-09-29] that it will be Tiangong 1, which will be launched at 2010~2011 circa.

Development

The project remained tentative throughout the 1990s while the PRC concentrated on the more modest goal of launching a manned flight.

In 1999 project 921 was finally given official authorization. Two versions of the station were studied: an 8-metric ton "space laboratory" and 20-metric ton "space station".

In 2000 the first model of the planned space station was unveiled at Expo 2000 in Hanover. This was made up of modules derived from the orbital module of the Shenzhou spacecraft. Overall length of the station would be around 20 m, with a total mass of under 40 metric tons, with possibility of expansion through addition of further modules.

In 2001 Chinese engineers described a three-step process toward the realization of Project 921. The original target date for the fulfillment of the project was 2010.
*First, manned flight itself (Phase 1); this successfully occurred in 2003.
*Second, the orbiting of a space laboratory (Phase 2, a scaled back version of the initial model) that would only be manned on a short-term basis and left in an automated mode between visits (probably occurring after 2010).
*The third phase would involve the launch of a larger space laboratory, which would be permanently manned and be China's first true space station (Phase 3).

In 2002 it was announced that the permanent space station would have a launch mass of 20 metric tons and no earlier than 2010. Work was underway on a robotic arm for use on the station and a 20% scale model was built by Research Institute 502.

As of November 2005, there are plans to dock the unmanned Shenzhou 8 and Shenzhou 9 mission modules together to form a space lab. The Shenzhou 10 manned mission will dock and enter that unit, but it is unclear whether this is the temporary space lab described as the second-phase of the project. There were also reports that a space station may be ready by 2012, which could be the second or third-phase.

In 2007, plans for an 8-metric ton "space laboratory" being launched in 2010 under the designation of Shenzhou 8 were made public. This would be an eight ton space laboratory module with two docking ports. Subsequent flights (Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10) will dock with the laboratory.

Another 8-metric ton "space laboratory" will be launched in 2012. This is consistent with statements made on November 27, 2005, on which the deputy commander of the manned space program announced that China planned to perfect the technology for space walking and docking by 2012 and finish a permanent space station and manned moon mission by 2024.

The 20-metric ton "space station" seems to have been delayed to ~2019-20.

At September 29, 2008, Zhang Jianqi ( _zh. 张建启), Vice Director of China manned space engineering, declared in an interview of China Central Television [cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-09-29/145316381853.shtml|title=China will launch small space station in 2010-2011 (in Chinese)|date=2008-09-29] it is Tiangong 1 (i.e. not Shenzhou 8) that will be the 8-ton "target vehicle", and Shenzhou 8, Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 will all be spaceships to dock with Tiangong 1 in turn.

At 1 Oct. 2008, Shanghai Space Administration, which participate in the development of Shenzhou 8, stated [ cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-10-01/170014521590s.shtml|title=Simulated docking of Shenzhou 8 has succeeded (in Chinese)|date=2008-10-01] that they have succeeded in the simulated experiments for the docking of Tiangong 1 and Shenzhou 8.

Details

Tiangong 1 8 ton "target vehicle"

The Chinese Space Lab will be assembled in the timeframe 2010-2015. Probable configuration is as following:
* Crew Size: 3.
* Length: 9.00 m (29.50 ft).
* Basic Diameter: 2.25 m (7.38 ft).
* Maximum Diameter: 2.80 m (9.10 ft).
* Span: 17.00 m (55.00 ft).
* Mass: 8,000 kg (17,600 lb).
* Two docking ports

A two cabin configuration is indicated, with an Experiment Module, besides the front-end docking mechanism. The Experiment Module provides resources for the Orbital Module such as electric power.

20-metric ton "space station"

In 2000 the first model of the planned space station was unveiled at Expo 2000 in Hanover. This was made up of modules derived from the orbital module of the Shenzhou spacecraft. A possible timeframe for assemby is after 2019-20. [cite web |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=aZJYoiU9yivw |title=China, Following Astronauts' Return, Plans Space Lab for 2011 |last=Johnson |first=Ed |publisher=Bloomberg |date=Sept. 29 2008]

Configuration was as following:
* A node module (measuring 3m x 2.2 m) equipped with six docking ports with rotating solar panels attached to two.
* Two (~10 m x ~3.0 m) modules attached to the node, each equipped with ten docking ports.
* Airlock or resupply module
* Propulsion module
* Two-beam truss with parabolic antennae

Domestic and International Reaction

The fact that China has successfully launched a man in space under its own auspices and plans to do the same with a space station has generated enormous pride within the country but has caused some consternation elsewhere. China is the most notable absentee from the International Space Station. After the success of China's self propelled space launch, China formally requested a spot on the International Space Station. The proposal of cooperation was rejected by the US.Fact|please give a reliable source for this event. Any report?| ()|date=September 2008 This has led to conjecture that China will be a competitor rather than a partner with regard to the US in future international space ventures.

In regard to other nations, China has recently reached out to Russia, the ESA, and Canada, to carry out cooperative space initiatives.Fact|please give a reliable source for this.| ()|date=September 2008 So it may be that only China and the US will rule out direct cooperation.

References

*cite news|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_Might_Be_Planning_Early_Space_Station_Attempt.html|title=China Might Be Planning Early Space Station Attempt|publisher=SpaceDaily.com|date=February 19, 2006
* [http://www.astronautix.com/craft/prot9212.htm Article on Project 921-2]
* [http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/china_plans_031016.html China plans more space missions] - October 16, 2003 article
* [http://www.worldspaceflight.com/china/921.htm Details of Project 921]