China to launch space station module prototype

China鈥檚 space program is in the news again, this time with unconfirmed reports that the Tiangong 1 space lab may be launching into orbit sometime this year 鈥� possibly later this month. Previous news reports cited potential launch dates in 2010 or 2011, so this launch isn鈥檛 too far behind schedule.
What plans does China have for their first orbital space station prototype?
The space lab, named 鈥淭iangong鈥� translates from Mandarin Chinese into English as 鈥淗eavenly Palace鈥�. Weighing just under 9 tons, the prototype module will orbit for two years. China will use the module to practice docking maneuvers and test orbital technologies during the module鈥檚 lifetime.
China plans to follow the Tiangong 1 orbital lab with two more lab launches over the next few years to continue testing systems and technologies before starting construction on their own space station in the 2020鈥瞫. Based on China鈥檚 current plans, the Tiangong orbital labs will not be used in the Chinese space station.

Many space analysts believe China鈥檚 lack of a perceived 鈥渟pace race鈥� is a potential reason for the country鈥檚 slow, methodical space program build-up. So far, China has only launched three manned space flights: Shenzhou 5 and Shenzhou 6 ( 2003 and 2005, respectively). China鈥檚 first mission to include a spacewalk was Shenzhou 7 (2008).
While China is making great strides with their manned space program, there are no current plans to include China in the ongoing International Space Station project. Despite several political and technological issues preventing China鈥檚 participation in the ISS, recent comments from officials at the China National Space Administration have indicated a willingness to allow other countries to visit the country鈥檚 space station once it is operational.
More information: If you鈥檇 like to learn more, Universe Today has previous coverage (Jan. 2010) on the Tiangong mission at: .
You can also visit the China National Space Administration鈥檚 website at:
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