Project 921-2
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| Chinese space station (Project 921 Phase 2) 8-metric ton "space laboratory" |
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| Station statistics | ||
| Crew: | 3 | |
| Launch: | ~2010 | |
| Mass: | 8,000 kg | |
| Length: | 9.00 m | |
| Diameter: | 2.80 m | |
| Chinese space station (Project 921 Phase 2) 8-metric ton "space laboratory" |
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| Chinese space station (Project 921 Phase 3) 20-metric ton "space station" |
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| The first model of a planned Chinese space station, unveiled in 2000 | ||
| Station statistics | ||
| Crew: | more than 3 | |
| Launch: | ~2015 | |
| Mass: | more than 20,000 kg | |
| Length: | ~ 20.00 m | |
| Diameter: | ~ 3.00 m | |
| Chinese space station (Project 921 Phase 3) 20-metric ton "space station" |
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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.
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[edit] Development
The project remained tentative throughout the 1990's 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 (probable 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 robot 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 a 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 2015 or beyond.
[edit] Details
[edit] 8-metric ton "space laboratory"
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
[edit] 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.
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
[edit] 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. 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. So it may be that only China and the US will rule out direct cooperation.
[edit] References
- "China Might Be Planning Early Space Station Attempt", SpaceDaily.com, February 19, 2006.
- Article on Project 921-2
- China plans more space missions - October 16, 2003 article
- Details of Project 921
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