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China Launches Space Station Laboratory Module

Posted by timothy on from the all-space-stations-must-charge-with-micro-usb dept.

wisebabo writes with news from CNN that "China's first space laboratory module launched Thursday, according to state-run media, an important milestone in China's plan to build a space station." The module, known as Tiangong-1, features sleeping areas and exercise equipment. Writes wisebabo: "In another universe (Arthur C. Clarke's 2011), it would be on its way to Europa by now. Anyone know what orbital plane/altitude it's at? Can it be reached by NASA/Soyuz? Are the docking ports compatible? How about the air pressure/breathing mix?"

2 of 178 comments (clear)

  1. Orbit by Skylax · · Score: 5, Interesting

    From my chinese coworkers I got the information that the module is currently in a 350km by 200km orbit at around 45 inclination.The finished station will consist of 3 modules at 20t each and has a designed lifetime of 2 years. It is basically used for testing purposes (docking procedures etc.) and will be manned by a 2-3 man crew with 20 day rotation.

  2. Can it be reached by NASA? by subreality · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can it be reached by NASA

    Unfortunately, no. NASA doesn't currently have a man-rated vehicle that can exceed about 60,000 feet.

    The DOD can probably deliver a decent size payload to it, but their craft aren't exactly designed to dock in a diplomatic way.