China space station on track for 2022 with core module to launch in spring
- Astronauts are already in training and construction of module and rocket launcher has been completed
- Ambitious space programme includes plans for a lunar station by 2045 and a commercial launching service
Astronauts are already in training for the China-built and operated Tiangong Space Station project, and will also carry out retrieval missions and test in-orbit technologies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The bold ambitions behind China’s Chang’e 5 moon mission
Development and manufacture of the space station’s core module have been completed, along with the Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket, according to Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China’s manned space programme.
“The testing is in its final stage. We will start the key technology test and construction of the Chinese space station next spring,” he said.
“The top priority of our work is to ensure the success of each launch mission, the reliable in-orbit operation of spacecraft and the safety of astronauts, so as to make sure they can work efficiently and complete their missions,” he added.
In May, Long March-5B made its maiden flight, sending the trial version of a new-generation of manned craft into space from the Wenchang launch site on the southern island of Hainan, according to state news agency Xinhua.
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China space control juggling with at least three space missions since Chang’e 5 launch
The large carrier rocket has been developed for China’s manned space programme and will be mainly used to launch the modules for the space station. Launch tasks for the construction phase of the space station will also be carried out at Wenchang, the state-run Science and Technology Daily reported.
The CZ-8 has the potential to be reusable, cutting costs, and will have non-toxic propellants. It will take about 10 days to prepare for launch, with a capacity of at least 10 launches each year.
