Tiangong 1 [CMSA]
Tiangong 2 (TG 2) is the second Chinese experimental space station.
The back-up built for Tiangong 1, has been modified with improved living conditions to verify key technologies, such as on-orbit propellant resupply using the new Tianzhou logistics vehicle. The station is also equipped with a new robotic arm.
Tiangong-2 carries 14 types of experiments focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as space materials science and space life science.
The station carries also the small Banxing-2 satellite for technology demonstrations and to capture images of the new station in orbit.
Tiangong 2 was launched on a CZ-2F/T rocket in September 2016 into an initial 197 km × 373 km, 42.8° orbit, which it later raised to a 369 km × 378 km, 42.8° orbit.
Only one crewed ship, Shenzhou 11, visited this station. Also the uncrewed Tianzhou 1 prototype supply vessel visited the station.
On 19 July 2019, Tiangong-2 was deorbited over the south Pacific and burned up mostly in the earth's atmosphere.
A back up, Tiangong 3, has been built, but was put into storage and never launched.
Nation: | China |
---|---|
Type / Application: | Space station |
Operator: | CNSA |
Contractors: | |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 8500 kg |
Orbit: |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tiangong 2 (TG 2) | 2016-057A | 15.09.2016 | Jq LC-43/91 | CZ-2F/T | with BanXing 2 |