{ "id": "cmse-tianhe-core-module", "title": "Tianhe core module (Tiangong)", "maker": "China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)", "maker_type": "Space agency", "kind": "mission", "category": "stations", "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/cmse-tianhe-core-module/", "website": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "summary": "Core module of the Chinese Tiangong space station with a frame in 5A06 aluminium alloy.", "application": "The first module of China's Tiangong station, used as living quarters, control centre and docking hub for crewed Shenzhou and Tianzhou cargo ships. It supplies power, life support and propulsion to the other modules.", "story": { "headline": "Tianhe is the first module of China's Tiangong space station, launched on 29 April 2021.", "intro": [ "Tianhe sits at the centre of the three-module, T-shaped Tiangong station, a programme run by the China Manned Space Agency. It is used as living quarters, a control centre and a docking hub for the crewed Shenzhou ships and the Tianzhou cargo ships. It also supplies power, life support and propulsion to the other modules.", "The frame is 5A06 aluminium alloy, and two flexible solar wings of gallium arsenide cells provide power. Four electric Hall thrusters running on xenon gas supplement the chemical thrusters. Inside, the life-support system distils urine into water and reacts carbon dioxide with hydrogen to make methane and water." ], "built": [ { "title": "Frame and cabins", "text": "The module's space frame is 5A06 aluminium alloy. The node cabin is the docking hub, and the life control cabin has a small segment where the crew sleep and a large one for science equipment. At the rear, the resource cabin holds the main engines, propellant tanks and power system.", "parts": [ "Module frame", "Node cabin (docking hub)", "Small column segment of the life control cabin", "Large column segment of the life control cabin", "Resource cabin (unpressurised service compartment)" ] }, { "title": "Solar wings and power", "text": "Two flexible solar wings, each measuring 67 square metres, use triple-junction gallium arsenide cells. Sun sensors between the panels let the angle adjust automatically. A standard 100 V bus carries the power to the modules, and the batteries are lithium-ion.", "parts": [ "Flexible solar wings (x2) with triple-junction gallium arsenide cells", "Sun sensors between the solar panels", "100 V power bus and grid-connected distribution", "Lithium-ion batteries" ] }, { "title": "Electric thrusters", "text": "Four Hall thrusters, each producing 80 millinewtons, run on xenon gas from two storage modules that robotic arms can replace in orbit. They supplement the chemical propulsion system. A refuelling system takes on propellant carried by Tianzhou cargo ships.", "parts": [ "Hall thruster propellant", "Hall-effect electric thrusters (x4)", "Xenon gas-storage modules (x2)", "Chemical propulsion system", "Propellant refuelling system" ] }, { "title": "Robot arm and pointing", "text": "A robotic arm 10.2 m long, with seven joints, is mounted outside the life control cabin and can carry up to 25 tonnes. Six control moment gyroscopes mainly control the module's orientation, with thrusters assisting. The station can also call on the thrusters of a docked cargo ship.", "parts": [ "Core Module Manipulator (large robotic arm, 7 degrees of freedom)", "Arm end effectors and end cameras (x2 sets)", "Foot restraint platform for the arm", "Control moment gyroscope set (6 CMGs on Tianhe)" ] }, { "title": "Life support", "text": "Urine is distilled into water that meets drinking-water requirements and also feeds the oxygen generator. Carbon dioxide from the crew is collected and reacts with hydrogen from that generator to form methane and water.", "parts": [ "Oxygen generation assembly", "CO2 removal assembly", "CO2 reduction assembly", "Urine processing assembly", "Water processing assembly" ] } ], "materials": [ { "name": "5A06 aluminium alloy", "mid": "aluminium-5a06", "where": "The module's space frame." }, { "name": "Xenon", "mid": "xenon", "where": "The gas propellant for the four Hall thrusters, held in two replaceable storage modules." }, { "name": "Gallium arsenide", "mid": "gallium-arsenide", "where": "Triple-junction cells on the two flexible solar wings." }, { "name": "Lithium-ion cells", "mid": "lithium-ion-cell", "where": "The batteries. The type of lithium-ion cell is not stated." } ], "connections": "The Tiangong station also has the Wentian and Mengtian experiment modules, and Tianhe was the first of the three to launch. A Long March 5B rocket lifted it from Wenchang on 29 April 2021, with two YF-77 engines in the core stage and two YF-100 engines in each of four boosters. The China Academy of Space Technology built and tested it, and it followed the Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 space laboratories.", "unknown": "Several details are unknown. No materials are published for the pressure shell, windows, thermal blankets, radiators or cabling. The Hall thruster maker and model, the chemical engine models and the make of the batteries are also unstated. Published figures for the module's mass differ.", "facts": [ { "label": "Length", "value": "16.6 m" }, { "label": "Maximum diameter", "value": "4.2 m" }, { "label": "Launch", "value": "29 April 2021, 03:23 UTC, Long March 5B from Wenchang" }, { "label": "Crew size", "value": "3 in normal operation, up to 6 during crew rotation" }, { "label": "Habitable volume", "value": "50 m3" } ] }, "specifications": [ { "label": "Mass", "value": "About 22,000 kg", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "Mass (kg) 22,000" }, { "label": "Axial length", "value": "16.6 m", "source_url": "https://phys.org/news/2023-08-scientists-application-prospect-china-tiangong.html", "quote": "It has a total axial length of 16.6 m and a maximum diameter of 4.2 m." }, { "label": "Launch", "value": "29 April 2021, 03:23 UTC, Long March 5B from Wenchang", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "the Tianhe core module was successfully launched aboard a Long March 5B launcher, at 03:23 UTC" }, { "label": "Orbit", "value": "About 400 km LEO, 42.5 deg inclination", "source_url": "https://chinaspacereport.wordpress.com/spacecraft/tiangong/tianhe1/", "quote": "Orbit: 400 km LEO, 42.5º inclination." }, { "label": "Maximum diameter", "value": "4.2 m", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "It has a total axial length of 16.6 m and a maximum diameter of 4.2 m" }, { "label": "Launch mass (China Daily; the entry holds eoPortal's 22,000 kg)", "value": "22.5 tonnes", "source_url": "https://language.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202104/29/WS608a5af3a31024ad0babb4df.html", "quote": "a takeoff mass of 22.5 tonnes" }, { "label": "Pressurised volume (eoPortal table)", "value": "113 m3", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "Pressurised volume (m³) 113" }, { "label": "Habitable volume (eoPortal table)", "value": "50 m3", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "Habitable volume (m³) 50" }, { "label": "Crew size", "value": "3 in normal operation, up to 6 during crew rotation", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "It has 3 crewmembers in normal cases and up to 6 in the case of crew rotation." }, { "label": "Design orbit band", "value": "41 to 43 deg inclination, 340 to 450 km altitude", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "operates in a near-Earth orbit with an orbital inclination of 41° to 43° and an orbital altitude of 340 to 450 km" }, { "label": "Design lifespan (station)", "value": "More than 10 years", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "It has a designed lifespan of more than 10 years." }, { "label": "Primary bus voltage", "value": "100 V", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "The spacecraft's power system operates at a primary bus voltage of 100 V." }, { "label": "Space-to-ground link rate via relay satellites", "value": "Up to 1.2 Gbps", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "reach up to 1.2 Gbps, twice those of the International Space Station" }, { "label": "Separation from the core stage (SpaceNews)", "value": "492 s after liftoff", "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/huge-rocket-looks-set-for-uncontrolled-reentry-following-chinese-space-station-launch/", "quote": "Tianhe separated from the core stage of the launcher after 492 seconds of flight" }, { "label": "Separation from the first stage (AIAA, quoting SpaceNews)", "value": "490 s after liftoff", "source_url": "https://aiaa.org/2021/04/29/china-launches-core-module-of-its-space-station/", "quote": "separated from the first stage after 490 seconds of flight" }, { "label": "Launch engines and thrust (China Daily)", "value": "10 engines, 1,068 tonnes of thrust", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html", "quote": "10 engines at the bottom of a Long March 5B heavy-lift carrier rocket roared to life, generating a thrust power of 1,068 metric tons" }, { "label": "Control hand-over", "value": "Control can move automatically from Tianhe to Wentian if Tianhe fails", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "its control and management function can be transferred automatically to the Wentian experiment module" }, { "label": "Docked Tianzhou thrusters", "value": "Station can use the thrusters of a docked cargo ship for attitude and orbit control", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "the Tiangong space station can select the thrusters of the cargo spaceship to participate in the attitude and orbit control of the whole assembly" }, { "label": "Activity space of the full three-module station", "value": "No less than 110 m3", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "with an activity space of no less than 110 m3" }, { "label": "Design orbit band (station)", "value": "41 to 43 deg inclination, 340 to 450 km altitude", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "quote": "operates in a near-Earth orbit with an orbital inclination of 41° to 43° and an orbital altitude of 340 to 450 km" }, { "label": "Simultaneous visiting spacecraft (station-level, chief designer)", "value": "Up to 3 at a time", "source_url": "https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201804/26/WS5ae12347a3105cdcf651a87b.html", "quote": "It will be capable of docking with up to three spacecraft at a time, Zhou said." } ], "features": [ { "text": "Core module and backbone of the Chinese space station", "source_url": "https://chinaspacereport.wordpress.com/spacecraft/tiangong/tianhe1/", "quote": "core module and backbone of the Chinese space station" }, { "text": "Xenon Hall-effect thrusters provide main propulsion on the station", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "quote": "deploying four Xenon Hall-effect thrusters on its exterior" } ], "parts": [ { "assembly": "Frame", "parts": [ { "part": "Module frame", "material": "5A06 aluminium alloy", "form": "space frame", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The Tianhe core module’s frame is constructed of the 5A06 Aluminium alloy.", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": "aluminium-5a06" } ] }, { "assembly": "Propulsion", "parts": [ { "part": "Hall thruster propellant", "material": "xenon", "form": "propellant for four Hall-effect thrusters", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "deploying four Xenon Hall-effect thrusters on its exterior", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": "xenon" }, { "part": "Hall-effect electric thrusters (x4)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The Hall electric propulsion system consists of four 80-mN Hall thrusters and 2 gas-storage modules.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Medium-power xenon thrusters that supplement the chemical system for orbit maintenance", "specs": [ { "label": "Thrust each", "value": "80 mN", "quote": "The Hall electric propulsion system consists of four 80-mN Hall thrusters and 2 gas-storage modules.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Propellant", "value": "Xenon", "quote": "The thrusters use xenon as the working medium", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Power class", "value": "Medium power, 0.5 to 10 kW", "quote": "equipped with a medium-power (0.5 to 10 kW) Hall electric", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Count (People's Daily Overseas, Chinese)", "value": "4", "quote": "“天宫”核心舱配置了4台霍尔电推进发动机", "source_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210706020905/http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2021/06-21/9503717.shtml" }, { "label": "Location (Chinese-language outlet)", "value": "Resource cabin at the rear, 4 Hall electric propulsion systems", "quote": "它还配备4部先进的“霍尔电推进系统”", "source_url": "https://www.ourchinastory.com/cn/12927" }, { "label": "Model name per Guokr (Chinese)", "value": "LT-100 Hall electric propulsion system (high power)", "quote": "配置了大功率LT-100型霍尔电推系统", "source_url": "https://www.36kr.com/p/1202702672197641" }, { "label": "Model name per analyst thread (unofficial)", "value": "HET-80, attributed there to a Shanghai institute", "quote": "They are the HET-80 from the Shanghai Institute of Space Technology.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "label": "First of its kind", "value": "First electric propulsion used to assist orbit maintenance of a space station", "quote": "This is the first time in the world to use an electric propulsion system to assist in the orbit maintenance of a space station", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Orbital decay with thrusters off", "value": "About 30 km in 100 days", "quote": "the orbital altitude of the Tiangong space station decreases by about 30 km within 100 d", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Orbital decay with thrusters running continuously", "value": "About 7 km in 100 days", "quote": "the orbital altitude of the Tiangong space station decreases by about 7 km within 100 d", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Chemical propellant saved", "value": "At least 800 kg per year", "quote": "save chemical propellants of not less than 800 kg per year", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Xenon gas-storage modules (x2)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the gas-storage modules can be replaced in orbit by robotic arms", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Hold the xenon for the Hall thrusters; replaceable in orbit by the robotic arms" }, { "part": "Chemical propulsion system", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "propulsion system to supplement the chemical propulsion system", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Main chemical engines and tanks that the Hall system supplements; refilled from Tianzhou", "specs": [ { "label": "Total thrusters on the module (analyst count, unofficial)", "value": "30, of which 26 chemical and 4 Hall", "quote": "Tianhe-1 is equipped with 30 thrusters, of which 26 are chemical thrusters, and 4 are Hall Effect thrusters.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "label": "Chemical propellant (analyst presumption, unconfirmed)", "value": "Probably MMH/N2O4 bipropellant like Tianzhou", "quote": "presumably we are looking at the same MMH/N204 bipropellant engines used on Tianzhou", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" } ] }, { "part": "Chemical orbit-control thrusters (x4, larger, canted from the module axis)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Among these 26 thrusters, 4 are larger orbital control thrusters, which are very visible on pictures.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Larger chemical engines for orbit changes, mounted at an angle at the rear" }, { "part": "Chemical attitude-control thrusters (about x22)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The other 22 chemical thrusters are for attitude control, mostly located on the propulsion compartment", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Smaller chemical thrusters for attitude control, mostly on the propulsion compartment" }, { "part": "Chemical propellant tanks (resource cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "containing the main engines, propellant tanks, power system and some communications components", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Store the propellant for the chemical engines; resupplied by Tianzhou" }, { "part": "Chemical orbit-control thrusters (x4, larger; count from an analyst thread)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Among these 26 thrusters, 4 are larger orbital control thrusters, which are very visible on pictures.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Larger chemical thrusters for orbit control; model and thrust not published", "specs": [ { "label": "Mounting (analyst thread)", "value": "Canted at an angle to the module axis", "quote": "They have an angle of inclinaison with the axis of the Tianhe-1", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" } ] }, { "part": "Chemical attitude-control thrusters (about x22; count from an analyst thread)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The other 22 chemical thrusters are for attitude control, mostly located on the propulsion compartment", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Smaller chemical thrusters for attitude control; model and thrust not published", "specs": [ { "label": "Count caveat (analyst thread)", "value": "The author could not confirm 22 from photos", "quote": "I couldn't count exactly 22 thrusters on the image.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Solar arrays", "parts": [ { "part": "Solar cells", "material": "silicon (as reported by a secondary source)", "form": "cells on steerable arrays", "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The silicon solar cells of the arrays have an efficiency of over 30%.", "source_url": "https://chinaspacereport.wordpress.com/spacecraft/tiangong/tianhe1/", "profile": null, "mid": "silicon" } ] }, { "assembly": "Pressure shell and structure", "parts": [ { "part": "Node cabin (docking hub)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The node cabin is used for module connection and spacecraft visiting", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Forward hub that links the other modules and visiting spacecraft; also serves as the spacewalk airlock", "specs": [ { "label": "Hatches on the node cabin", "value": "1 forward docking, 1 radial docking, 2 lateral berthing", "quote": "providing 1 forward docking hatch, 1 radial docking hatch, and 2 lateral berthing hatches", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Life control cabin (small column segment, large column segment and rear passage)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "a life control cabin (including a small column segment, a large column segment, and a rear passage)", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Pressurised crew living and working section between the node cabin and the resource cabin" }, { "part": "Small column segment of the life control cabin", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Sleeping and sanitary areas for the crew are arranged in the small column segment of the life control cabin.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Narrower section that holds the crew sleeping and sanitary areas", "specs": [ { "label": "Diameter", "value": "2.8 m (large column segment 4.2 m)", "quote": "大柱段直径4.2米，小柱段直径2.8米", "source_url": "https://language.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/24/WS5bcfe781a310eff303284404.html" } ] }, { "part": "Large column segment of the life control cabin", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Devices for platform and scientific research are equipped in the large column segment of the life control cabin.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Wider section carrying the platform and scientific-research equipment", "specs": [ { "label": "Diameter", "value": "4.2 m", "quote": "大柱段直径4.2米，小柱段直径2.8米", "source_url": "https://language.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/24/WS5bcfe781a310eff303284404.html" } ] }, { "part": "Resource cabin (unpressurised service compartment)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "These sections are surrounded by an unpressurised service compartment, containing the main engines, propellant tanks, power system and some communications components.", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Rear section housing the main engines, propellant tanks, power system and some communications hardware", "specs": [ { "label": "Compartment size (analyst thread, unofficial)", "value": "4.2 m diameter, 2.1 m tall", "quote": "a compartment that has a diameter of 4.2m & a height of 2.1m", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "label": "Compartment mass (analyst thread, unofficial)", "value": "487 kg dry, about 4.3 t once fuelled", "quote": "Its dry mass is 487 kg, but weighs 4.3 tons once fueled up", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" } ] }, { "part": "Add-on debris protection devices (station-level, installed by spacewalk)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "install additional debris protection devices and replace external equipment", "source_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20251222092109/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Shenzhou_21_crew_complete_eight_hour_spacewalk_outside_Tiangong_station_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Extra micrometeoroid and orbital-debris protection fitted to the station outside during crew spacewalks; module not named in the source" }, { "part": "Life control cabin (small column segment, large column segment, rear passage)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "a life control cabin (including a small column segment, a large column segment, and a rear passage)", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Pressurised crew living and working section between node cabin and resource cabin" }, { "part": "Resource cabin and surrounding unpressurised service compartment", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "These sections are surrounded by an unpressurised service compartment, containing the main engines, propellant tanks, power system and some communications components.", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Rear section wrapped by a compartment holding main engines, propellant tanks, power system and some communications hardware", "specs": [ { "label": "Compartment size (analyst thread, unofficial)", "value": "4.2 m diameter, 2.1 m tall", "quote": "a compartment that has a diameter of 4.2m & a height of 2.1m", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "label": "Compartment mass (analyst thread, unofficial)", "value": "487 kg dry, about 4.3 t once fuelled", "quote": "Its dry mass is 487 kg, but weighs 4.3 tons once fueled up", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Docking, berthing and refuelling", "parts": [ { "part": "Forward docking port (node cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The forward docking hatch is mainly for docking with manned spaceship and the Xuntian space telescope", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Axial port for the Shenzhou crew ship and the Xuntian telescope; the lab modules first docked here" }, { "part": "Radial docking port (node cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the radial one mainly for docking with manned spaceship", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Radial port mainly used for docking with a Shenzhou crew ship" }, { "part": "Backward (aft) docking port with material replenishment passage (resource cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The resource cabin is equipped with a docking hatch and a material replenishment passage at its rear end.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Rear port mainly for the Tianzhou cargo ship, with a passage for moving supplies", "specs": [ { "label": "Intended visitor", "value": "Cargo spaceship", "quote": "the backward one mainly for docking with cargo spaceship", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Lateral berthing hatches (x2, node cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "两个实验舱的停泊", "source_url": "https://www.36kr.com/p/1202702672197641", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Permanent berths for the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules after transposition", "specs": [ { "label": "Berths and docking ports in total", "value": "3 docking hatches for visiting craft, 2 berthing locations for the labs, 1 spacewalk hatch", "quote": "two berthing locations used to connect with space laboratories", "source_url": "https://language.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202104/29/WS608a5af3a31024ad0babb4df.html" } ] }, { "part": "Forward and backward docking mechanisms with refuelling interfaces", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Both forward and backward docking mechanisms of the Tianhe core module are equipped with a refueling interface.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Mechanisms at the forward and rear ports; both carry a propellant refuelling interface" }, { "part": "Propellant refuelling system", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the Tianhe core module is equipped with a propellant refueling system to receive propellants carried by the Tianzhou cargo spaceship", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Receives propellant carried by the Tianzhou cargo ship" }, { "part": "Metal bellows propellant tank", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "a propellant feeding scheme based on a metal bellows tank and pressurized-gas recycling", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Tank used in the refuelling scheme; propellant is fed with pressurised-gas recycling" }, { "part": "Pressurised-gas recycling compressor", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "It is equipped with a long-life and highly reliable compressor to recycle pressurized gas.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Long-life compressor that recycles the pressurising gas during refuelling" }, { "part": "Backward (aft) docking port and material replenishment passage (resource cabin)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The resource cabin is equipped with a docking hatch and a material replenishment passage at its rear end.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Rear port mainly for the Tianzhou cargo ship, with a passage for moving supplies", "specs": [ { "label": "Intended visitor", "value": "Cargo spaceship", "quote": "the backward one mainly for docking with cargo spaceship", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Propellant refuelling system (metal bellows tank and gas-recycling compressor)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the Tianhe core module is equipped with a propellant refueling system to receive propellants carried by the Tianzhou cargo spaceship", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Receives propellant carried by the Tianzhou cargo ship", "specs": [ { "label": "Feed scheme", "value": "Metal bellows tank with pressurised-gas recycling", "quote": "a propellant feeding scheme based on a metal bellows tank and pressurized-gas recycling", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Compressor", "value": "Long-life compressor recycles the pressurising gas", "quote": "It is equipped with a long-life and highly reliable compressor to recycle pressurized gas.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Guidance, navigation and control", "parts": [ { "part": "Control moment gyroscope set (6 CMGs on Tianhe)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "CMG control is mainly adopted, assisted by the reaction control system", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Main attitude actuators; the thrusters assist. Mounted both outside and inside the modules", "specs": [ { "label": "Gyros per module set", "value": "6 (Tianhe and Wentian each carry one set, 12 in total)", "quote": "are equipped with a set of CMGs (6 in each set and thus 12 in total)", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Mounting", "value": "Outside and inside the modules", "quote": "These CMGs are arranged outside and inside the modules", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Station attitude accuracy", "value": "Better than 0.6 deg; stability better than 0.008 deg/s", "quote": "an attitude control accuracy superior to 0.6° and attitude stability superior to 0.008°/s", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Control computers, attitude measurement sensors and rendezvous-and-docking sensors", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Control computers, attitude measurement sensors, rendezvous and docking sensors, CMGs, and thrusters in the modules", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Onboard guidance and control chain shared across modules over 1553B buses" }, { "part": "MIL-STD-1553B data buses linking the modules", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "realize intermodule connection and integrated resource utilization through 1553B buses", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Intermodule connection and shared use of control resources" }, { "part": "Rendezvous radar and optical docking sensors", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "radar and optical sensors to aid docking with the station", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Radar and optical sensors that aid docking with the station" }, { "part": "Sun sensors between the solar panels", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "with sun sensors between panels to allow automatic adjustment of the panel angle", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Allow automatic adjustment of the panel angle" }, { "part": "1553B data buses linking the modules", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "realize intermodule connection and integrated resource utilization through 1553B buses", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Intermodule connection and shared use of control resources" } ] }, { "assembly": "Power", "parts": [ { "part": "Flexible solar wings (x2) with triple-junction gallium arsenide cells", "material": "Triple-junction gallium arsenide cells", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: Solar wing development team of the 'Eighth Institute' (as worded in an English repost of a CAST release; institute not otherwise identified)", "quote": "the flexible solar wings were first used on the core module Tianhe with each wing measuring 67 square meters", "source_url": "https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-08-17/China-Space-Station-Homegrown-solar-array-powers-nation-s-space-goal-1czLeC36wy4/index.html", "profile": "gallium-arsenide", "mid": "gallium-arsenide", "function": "Third-generation flexible wings; fold to about the thickness of a book for launch", "specs": [ { "label": "Area per wing", "value": "67 m2", "quote": "each wing measuring 67 square meters", "source_url": "https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-08-17/China-Space-Station-Homegrown-solar-array-powers-nation-s-space-goal-1czLeC36wy4/index.html" }, { "label": "Area of the two wings", "value": "More than 134 m2", "quote": "The unfolded area of the two wings of the core module solar wing exceeds 134 square meters.", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Single-sided unfolding length (CAST paper)", "value": "12.6 m", "quote": "have a single-sided unfolding length of 12.6 m", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Single-sided unfolding length (repost of CAST release)", "value": "More than 12 m", "quote": "The unfolding length of a single wing is more than 12 meters", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Electric power (repost of CAST release)", "value": "More than 9 kW", "quote": "which can provide more than 9 kilowatts of electric energy for the space station", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Cell conversion efficiency", "value": "30%", "quote": "triple-junction gallium arsenide batteries with a conversion efficiency of 30% and advanced lithium-ion batteries", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Folded thickness", "value": "About one book thick, 1/15 of a rigid wing", "quote": "After being fully folded, it is only one book thick, which is 1/15th of the traditional rigid solar panel wing.", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Unfolding mechanisms", "value": "6 active and 12 passive mechanism sets", "quote": "6 sets of active mechanisms and 12 sets of passive mechanisms", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Design lifetime (key-data table)", "value": "88,000 cycles in space", "quote": "Design lifetime 88,000 cycles in space", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Cover material (key-data table, as translated)", "value": "Thin light composite", "quote": "Cover material Thin light composite", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" }, { "label": "Thickness (key-data table, as translated)", "value": "2.5 mm", "quote": "Thickness 2.5mm", "source_url": "https://www.dsneg.com/info/flexible-solar-panel-wings-applied-in-china-la-56912342.html" } ] }, { "part": "Solar array drive mechanisms (single degree of freedom)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "single-degree-of-freedom solar arrays with their drive mechanisms are installed on both sides", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Turn each wing about one axis to track the Sun" }, { "part": "Lithium-ion batteries", "material": "Lithium-ion cells (type not stated)", "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "triple-junction gallium arsenide batteries with a conversion efficiency of 30% and advanced lithium-ion batteries", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": "lithium-ion-cell", "function": "Store energy for the eclipse part of each orbit" }, { "part": "100 V power bus and grid-connected distribution", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The Tiangong space station adopts a standard 100-V bus system, supplying power to the modules through grid connection.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Standard 100 V bus that feeds the modules and can power visiting craft" }, { "part": "100 V power bus with grid-connected distribution", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The Tiangong space station adopts a standard 100-V bus system, supplying power to the modules through grid connection.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Standard 100 V bus feeding the modules and visiting craft" } ] }, { "assembly": "Thermal control", "parts": [ { "part": "Thermal-control fluid loops", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "intermodule thermal control fluid loops can be connected for cross-module kilowatt-level heat transfer", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Pumped liquid loops that move heat; loops of different modules can be joined for kilowatt-level transfer" }, { "part": "Fluid-loop extended pump sets (external, fitted by spacewalk)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)", "quote": "Developed by CAST, the extended pump sets are called the \"heart\" of the fluid loop", "source_url": "https://english.spacechina.com/n17212/c3312110/content.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Circulate the coolant in the loop; hooked and locked to the outer wall of the core module", "specs": [ { "label": "Service goal", "value": "No less than 15 years of in-orbit operation", "quote": "ensuring the in-orbit operation of China's space station for no less than 15 years", "source_url": "https://english.spacechina.com/n17212/c3312110/content.html" }, { "label": "Mounting", "value": "Hooked and locked to the outer wall of the core module", "quote": "The astronauts just needed to hook and lock the pump sets to the outer wall of the space station's core Tianhe module", "source_url": "https://english.spacechina.com/n17212/c3312110/content.html" } ] }, { "part": "Thermal control radiators", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "balance the heat dissipation capacity of thermal control radiators in the modules", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Reject heat from the fluid loops to space; a hybrid model of the core module radiative network exists", "specs": [ { "label": "Maximum heat dissipation, sunlit area (model result)", "value": "12,000 W", "quote": "In the sunlight area, the radiator receiving the external heat flux is about 77,000-90,000 W, and the maximum heat dissipation capacity is 12,000 W.", "source_url": "https://research.buaa.edu.cn/en/publications/hybrid-modeling-method-for-the-complex-radiative-cooling-network-/" }, { "label": "Maximum heat dissipation, shadowed area (model result)", "value": "22,000 W", "quote": "Those values are 28,000 W and 22,000 W, respectively, in the shadowed area.", "source_url": "https://research.buaa.edu.cn/en/publications/hybrid-modeling-method-for-the-complex-radiative-cooling-network-/" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Life support", "parts": [ { "part": "Regenerative and non-regenerative life-support systems", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Both the Tianhe core module and the Wentian experiment module are equipped with complete regenerative and nonregenerative life-support systems", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Complete regenerative system plus stored supplies; the core module system controls the whole station environment", "specs": [ { "label": "Role of the core module system", "value": "Responsible for the manned environment of the whole station, assisted by the non-regenerative system", "quote": "The regenerative life-support system of the core module is responsible for the manned environment control of the whole station", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Oxygen generation assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The oxygen generation assembly provides oxygen necessary for the crew's lives.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Provides the oxygen the crew breathes" }, { "part": "CO2 removal assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "CO2 produced by human bodies is adsorbed by regenerative adsorbents and then subjected to vacuum thermal desorption by extravehicular space", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Regenerable adsorbent beds; CO2 is vented by vacuum thermal desorption" }, { "part": "Trace contaminant removal assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Different trace contaminants are removed by chemical absorption, physical adsorption, room-temperature catalytic oxidation, and high-temperature catalytic oxidation", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Removes trace gases by absorption, adsorption and catalytic oxidation" }, { "part": "Urine processing assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Human urine is distilled by the urine processing assembly to produce urine-distilled water", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Distils urine into water" }, { "part": "Water processing assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Water quality can meet the requirements of drinking water in aerospace medicine and water for oxygen generation assembly", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Treats distilled urine and condensate to drinking and electrolysis water quality" }, { "part": "CO2 reduction assembly", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the CO2 collected and concentrated from the CO2 removal assembly reacts with H2, a by-product of oxygen generation assembly, to form CH4 and water", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Reacts collected CO2 with hydrogen from the oxygen generator to form methane and water" }, { "part": "Pressure leakage detection system", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The whole space station is equipped with a pressure leakage detection system.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Alarms automatically and prompts leak plugging and isolation when a sealed module depressurises" }, { "part": "Fire control equipment", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "consist of sleeping and sanitary areas, fire control equipment, computers, and ground communications equipment", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Fire detection and fighting gear in the living quarters" } ] }, { "assembly": "Crew accommodation", "parts": [ { "part": "Crew sleeping stations (x3 private berths)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "each crew member on the Tiangong station gets their own separate living quarters", "source_url": "https://futurism.com/bunks-chinese-space-station-enormous", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "One private sleeping compartment per crew member in the small column segment" }, { "part": "Sleeping bags", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the sleeping bags that keep the astronauts secure in microgravity while they doze", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-shenzhou-12-astronauts-earth-photos", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Keep the astronauts secure in microgravity while they sleep" }, { "part": "Sleeping-berth windows (x3)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "images taken out of small windows of the Tianhe space station module in low Earth orbit", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-shenzhou-12-astronauts-earth-photos", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Small round windows, one in each sleeping berth", "specs": [ { "label": "Window count (Chinese-language outlet)", "value": "3, one in each of the three sleeping berths", "quote": "我们的“天和”核心舱其实也是有窗户的，而且还有3个", "source_url": "https://www.sohu.com/a/485024249_120399893" } ] }, { "part": "Sanitary area and toilet", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "厨房、卫生间、睡眠区", "source_url": "https://www.36kr.com/p/1202702672197641", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Hygiene and waste-handling area in the small column segment" }, { "part": "Kitchen with microwave oven", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "We have also equipped the space station with a kitchen and microwave oven", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-space-food-menu-shenzhou-12", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Food preparation and heating area in the dining zone" }, { "part": "Refrigerator and water dispenser", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "remotely control household appliances in the cabin through tablets, such as the refrigerator, water dispenser and microwave", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Household-type appliances that the crew can control remotely from tablets" }, { "part": "Treadmill", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Running on a space treadmill", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Exercise equipment in the exercise area", "specs": [ { "label": "Zones in the sealed cabin", "value": "Work, sleep, sanitation, dining, healthcare and exercise", "quote": "divided into six zones, including zones for work, sleep, sanitation, dining, healthcare and exercise", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html" } ] }, { "part": "Spin bike (cycling exercise device)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "astronauts may choose treadmills or spin bikes to maintain their physical health", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Exercise equipment for cardiovascular and leg training" }, { "part": "Health supervision and care area", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "a sanitary area, a dining area, a storage area, a health supervision and care area, and an exercise area", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Area set aside for crew health monitoring" }, { "part": "Wireless Wi-Fi network and voice and image system", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "by setting a wireless Wi-Fi network and a voice and image system", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Lets the crew use smartphones and tablets to manage household supplies and materials" }, { "part": "Adjustable cabin lighting", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The brightness and color of lights in the space station can be manually adjusted as required.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Brightness and colour of cabin lights can be set by hand" }, { "part": "Handrails and body-limiting devices", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Each cabin is equipped with body assist equipment such as handrails and body-limiting devices", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Body assist hardware in every cabin" }, { "part": "In-cabin console for robotic arm control", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the Tianhe core module is equipped with a console inside, through which the robotic arms can be controlled by the crewmembers", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Crew control and inspection station for the robotic arms" }, { "part": "Exercise equipment (treadmill and spin bike)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "astronauts may choose treadmills or spin bikes to maintain their physical health", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Treadmill and cycling device in the exercise area", "specs": [ { "label": "Treadmill shown in orbit", "value": "Pictured in the CAST paper's exercise figure (Tianhe and Wentian scenes)", "quote": "Running on a space treadmill", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Bike shown in orbit", "value": "Pictured in the CAST paper's exercise figure (Tianhe and Wentian scenes)", "quote": "Riding a space bike", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Zones in the sealed cabin", "value": "Work, sleep, sanitation, dining, healthcare and exercise", "quote": "divided into six zones, including zones for work, sleep, sanitation, dining, healthcare and exercise", "source_url": "https://www.i21st.cn/story/3683.html" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Robotics and spacewalk provisions", "parts": [ { "part": "Core Module Manipulator (large robotic arm, 7 degrees of freedom)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": "Supplier: China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), per the CAST designers quoted by Xinhua", "quote": "It consists of seven joints, two limbs, two sets of extension gears, two sets of end cameras and end effectors", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Large arm for module transposition, cargo handling, capturing visiting craft and moving spacewalkers", "specs": [ { "label": "Operating radius", "value": "10 m", "quote": "One large 7-degree-of-freedom robotic arm is mounted on the Tianhe core module with an operating radius of 10 m", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Maximum load", "value": "25 t", "quote": "and a maximum load of 25 tons", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Arm length (Xinhua)", "value": "10.2 m", "quote": "The 10.2-meter-long robotic arm installed on the Tianhe module can carry up to 25 tonnes of weight.", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html" }, { "label": "Design life and tip accuracy (Xinhua)", "value": "15 years; 45 mm tip positioning accuracy", "quote": "With a design life of 15 years, load capacity of 25 tonnes, and tip positioning accuracy of 45 millimeters", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html" }, { "label": "Combined reach with the Wentian arm", "value": "15 m operating radius", "quote": "After the combination, the operating radius can reach 15 m.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ] }, { "part": "Arm end effectors and end cameras (x2 sets)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "two sets of end cameras and end effectors (also known as end-of-arm tooling)", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Grapple the surface target adapters so the arm can crawl, and carry cameras at both ends" }, { "part": "Arm elbow camera and central controller", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "one set of central controllers, and an elbow camera", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Elbow camera for inspection and a central controller for the arm" }, { "part": "Robotic arm adapters (target adapters) on the exterior", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Several robotic arm adapters are installed on the surface of the Tiangong space station.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Fixed adapters the arm end effector docks to for crawling and for installing payloads" }, { "part": "Foot restraint platform for the arm", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The end effector can dock with a foot restraint platform, where astronauts can stand.", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Platform on the arm end where a spacewalker stands to be carried to the work site" }, { "part": "Extended exposed-payload interface", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "extended interface reserved on the Wentian experiment module and Tianhe Core module can support special exposed payload assembling in-orbit", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Reserved external interface for assembling special exposed payloads in orbit" }, { "part": "Spacewalk hatch and airlock function of the node cabin", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "with a spacewalk hatch arranged above", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Hatch above the node cabin; the node cabin served as the airlock before Wentian arrived and stays as backup", "specs": [ { "label": "Airlock role", "value": "Node cabin is the spacewalk airlock while the core module flies alone", "quote": "During the flight of the core module alone, the node cabin is used as the airlock for spacewalks.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "label": "Hatch direction (Chinese)", "value": "A zenith-facing passage that is a spacewalk hatch, not a docking port", "quote": "另外还剩一个对天方向的通道，并非对接口，而是出舱口", "source_url": "https://www.36kr.com/p/1202702672197641" } ] }, { "part": "Feitian spacesuits (stowed for spacewalks)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Zhai and Wang used Feitian spacesuits that can each support eight hours of extravehicular activity in one go.", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Extravehicular suits delivered by Tianzhou cargo ships and used for spacewalks from the node cabin" }, { "part": "Arm end effectors, end cameras, elbow camera and central controller", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "two sets of end cameras and end effectors (also known as end-of-arm tooling)", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Grapple the surface target adapters so the arm can crawl; cameras at both ends and the elbow", "specs": [ { "label": "Controller and elbow camera (Xinhua)", "value": "One central controller set and one elbow camera", "quote": "one set of central controllers, and an elbow camera", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html" } ] }, { "part": "Feitian spacesuits (extravehicular suits)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "Zhai and Wang used Feitian spacesuits that can each support eight hours of extravehicular activity in one go.", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "EVA suits delivered by Tianzhou cargo ships and used for spacewalks" } ] }, { "assembly": "Communications and data handling", "parts": [ { "part": "Relay-satellite link terminal", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The transmission rates of space-Earth links based on the second-generation relay satellites in China reach up to 1.2 Gbps", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Space-to-ground data link through the second-generation Tianlian relay satellites", "specs": [ { "label": "Relay satellites in the link", "value": "Three Tianlian 2 satellites in geostationary orbit", "quote": "will network with two other Tianlian 2 craft to facilitate real-time communications", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-launches-communications-satellite-tiangong-space-station" } ] }, { "part": "Relay antenna (deployed after launch)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "天和已经成功展开了中继天线和柔性太阳能电池板", "source_url": "https://www.qbitai.com/2021/04/23298.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Antenna that links the module to the relay satellites" }, { "part": "Communications antenna (angle adjustable for spacewalks)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "we made special adjustments involving the flying attitude, solar arrays, and angle of the communications antenna", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Antenna whose angle was adjusted to prepare for spacewalks" }, { "part": "High-speed Ethernet service for experiment loads", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "A service system is directly provided for scientific experiment loads through high-speed Ethernet.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Network service provided directly to scientific experiment loads" }, { "part": "Ground communications equipment and computers in the living quarters", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "consist of sleeping and sanitary areas, fire control equipment, computers, and ground communications equipment", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Computers and equipment for contact with ground control" }, { "part": "Panoramic cameras (external)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "再加上4个全景摄像机", "source_url": "https://www.sohu.com/a/485024249_120399893", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "External cameras for station monitoring; one was lifted into place on a spacewalk", "specs": [ { "label": "Installation", "value": "Panoramic camera lifted into position during the second Shenzhou-12 spacewalk", "quote": "when they installed extended pump sets and lifted the panoramic camera", "source_url": "https://english.spacechina.com/n17212/c3312110/content.html" } ] }, { "part": "High-performance autonomous fault-diagnosis computer system", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "the high-performance computer system can be used to diagnose failures autonomously and isolate danger sources automatically for safe disposal", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Diagnoses failures and isolates danger sources automatically" }, { "part": "Space-to-ground data link via second-generation relay satellites", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "The transmission rates of space-Earth links based on the second-generation relay satellites in China reach up to 1.2 Gbps", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Carries station data and video to the ground through the Tianlian relay network", "specs": [ { "label": "Relay satellites in the link", "value": "Three Tianlian 2 satellites in geostationary orbit", "quote": "will network with two other Tianlian 2 craft to facilitate real-time communications", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-launches-communications-satellite-tiangong-space-station" } ] }, { "part": "Relay and communications antenna", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "天和已经成功展开了中继天线和柔性太阳能电池板", "source_url": "https://www.qbitai.com/2021/04/23298.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Links the module to the relay satellites; deployed after launch", "specs": [ { "label": "Spacewalk preparation", "value": "The angle of the communications antenna was adjusted for the spacewalks", "quote": "we made special adjustments involving the flying attitude, solar arrays, and angle of the communications antenna", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13" } ] } ] }, { "assembly": "Launch interface", "parts": [ { "part": "Cabin-rocket separation system (large diameter)", "material": null, "form": null, "finish": null, "standard": null, "hardware_ref": null, "quote": "大直径舱箭分离技术", "source_url": "https://www.qbitai.com/2021/04/23298.html", "profile": null, "mid": null, "function": "Separates the 4.2 m module from the Long March 5B core stage in a direct-to-orbit launch" } ] } ], "materials": [ { "id": "aluminium-5a06", "name": "5A06 aluminium alloy", "material_page": null }, { "id": "xenon", "name": "xenon", "material_page": null }, { "id": "silicon", "name": "silicon (as reported by a secondary source)", "material_page": null }, { "id": "gallium-arsenide", "name": "Triple-junction gallium arsenide cells", "material_page": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/gallium-arsenide/" }, { "id": "lithium-ion-cell", "name": "Lithium-ion cells (type not stated)", "material_page": null } ], "standards": [], "relations": [ { "type": "part_of", "target": "Tiangong space station", "target_slug": null, "note": "First module launched; centre of the three-module T-shaped station", "quote": "The Tiangong space station consists of the Tianhe core module, the Wentian experiment module, and the Mengtian experiment", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "type": "launched_on", "target": "Long March 5B", "target_slug": null, "note": "Tianhe flew on the second Long March 5B (Y2) from Wenchang", "quote": "The Long March 5B, a variant of China's largest rocket, successfully launched the 22.5-metric-ton Tianhe module from Wenchang", "source_url": "https://spacenews.com/huge-rocket-looks-set-for-uncontrolled-reentry-following-chinese-space-station-launch/" }, { "type": "launched_on", "target": "YF-77 engine", "target_slug": null, "note": "Core-stage engines (two per core stage on the same page); launcher engine, not carried by the vehicle", "quote": "a 50 tonne thrust LOX/LH2 engine named YF-77", "source_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200803151515/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/cz5.html" }, { "type": "launched_on", "target": "YF-100 engine", "target_slug": null, "note": "Booster engines (two in each of four boosters on the same page); launcher engine, not carried by the vehicle", "quote": "a 120 tonne thrust LOX/Kerosene engine identified as YF-100", "source_url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200803151515/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/cz5.html" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Hall-effect thruster, 80 mN class (4 units; model name not officially published)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Xenon thrusters in the rear resource cabin, with two replaceable xenon gas-storage modules", "quote": "The Hall electric propulsion system consists of four 80-mN Hall thrusters and 2 gas-storage modules.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Chemical orbit-control thruster (4 larger units; model not published)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Analyst count from a thread; no official model or thrust found", "quote": "Among these 26 thrusters, 4 are larger orbital control thrusters, which are very visible on pictures.", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Chemical attitude-control thruster (about 22 units; model not published)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Analyst count from a thread; no official model or thrust found", "quote": "The other 22 chemical thrusters are for attitude control, mostly located on the propulsion compartment", "source_url": "https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1435543236819529736" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Core Module Manipulator (Chinarm large robotic arm)", "target_slug": null, "note": "10.2 m, 7-joint arm mounted outside the life control cabin", "quote": "The 10.2-meter-long robotic arm installed on the Tianhe module can carry up to 25 tonnes of weight.", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Control moment gyroscope (6 units on the core module)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Main attitude actuators; thrusters assist", "quote": "are equipped with a set of CMGs (6 in each set and thus 12 in total)", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "type": "carries", "target": "Feitian extravehicular spacesuit", "target_slug": null, "note": "Spacewalk suits used with the node cabin airlock", "quote": "Zhai and Wang used Feitian spacesuits that can each support eight hours of extravehicular activity in one go.", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Constructed and tested the core module", "quote": "The China Academy of Space Technology said this month that engineers have constructed the core module and are testing it.", "source_url": "https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201804/26/WS5ae12347a3105cdcf651a87b.html" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Designers of the large robotic arm", "quote": "said Wang Youyu, a mechanical arm designer at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)", "source_url": "https://www.solardaily.com/reports/Mechanical_arm_is_Chinese_astronauts_space_helper_999.html" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Thermal-control fluid-loop pump sets", "quote": "Developed by CAST, the extended pump sets are called the \"heart\" of the fluid loop", "source_url": "https://english.spacechina.com/n17212/c3312110/content.html" }, { "type": "supplied_by", "target": "China Astronaut Research and Training Center", "target_slug": null, "note": "Chief designer of the EVA spacesuit works there", "quote": "Ding Lingyan, chief designer of the EVA spacesuit under the China Astronaut Research and Training Center", "source_url": "https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-shenzhou-13" }, { "type": "operated_by", "target": "Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center (BACC)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Principal flight-control centre for Chinese crewed missions, including station operations", "quote": "The Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center (BACC) serves as the principal flight-control and data-processing centre for China's crewed-spaceflight missions.", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station" }, { "type": "operated_by", "target": "China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Agency running the crewed programme under which Tiangong is built and flown", "quote": "The station is the next step in a three-part plan for the China Manned Space Agency", "source_url": "https://www.collectspace.com/news/news-042821a-china-space-station-tianhe-launch.html" }, { "type": "heritage_of", "target": "Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 space laboratories", "target_slug": null, "note": "Rendezvous and docking technology proven in the space laboratory stage", "quote": "On the basis of breakthroughs in rendezvous and docking technology during the space laboratory stage", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" }, { "type": "successor_of", "target": "Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 space laboratories", "target_slug": null, "note": "First station module, launched after the two precursor laboratories", "quote": "following two precursor missions, Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2", "source_url": "https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/tiangong-space-station" }, { "type": "heritage_of", "target": "Mir space station (block-building configuration)", "target_slug": null, "note": "Station layout reference", "quote": "The overall design of the Tiangong space station takes the \"block-building\" featured configuration of the Mir space station as reference.", "source_url": "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/space.0035.pdf" } ], "not_published": "No primary CMSA source with materials was found; the 5A06 frame comes from eoPortal and a hobbyist report. The silicon-cell claim is from China Space Report and its stated efficiency (over 30%) is doubtful for silicon, so treat it as low confidence. Pressure shell, window, thermal blanket, radiator, thruster and cabling materials are not stated. Mass is quoted as 22,000 kg (eoPortal) versus 22,500 kg elsewhere. More detail: Not found in public sources: pressure-shell wall and MMOD shield design for Tianhe (the only debris-protection source is station-level add-on devices fitted on spacewalks, module not named); official Hall-thruster maker, model and specific impulse (CAST paper gives only 4 x 80 mN and xenon; Guokr names an 'LT-100', an analyst thread names 'HET-80' from a Shanghai institute, neither is an official CMSA/CASC statement, and the 'LHT-100' of Lanzhou Institute of Physics appears only in an unrelated 2016 IAC abstract for the XX-2 satellite, so no supplied_by row was written for the thrusters); chemical engine models, thrust and propellant (the 26-thruster count, 4 orbit plus 22 attitude, and the MMH/N2O4 guess come only from an analyst thread by Dongfang Hour on Twitter/X and are unofficial); suppliers of the CMGs, computers, docking mechanisms, ECLSS hardware, cameras and radiators; radiator area; materials other than the 5A06 frame already in the entry (the gallium arsenide cells and lithium-ion cells are stated only generically; the solar-wing 'thin light composite' cover is from a translated key-data table). The CAST paper (Wang et al. 2023, Space: Science & Technology) states triple-junction gallium arsenide cells at 30% efficiency, which contradicts the 'silicon' cell row already in the entry. Discrepancies: wing length 12.6 m (CAST paper) versus 'more than 12 m' (repost) versus 13 m (Guokr); arm elbow cameras one (Xinhua) versus two (Guokr); separation 492 s versus 490 s; launch mass 22,500 kg (China Daily, SpaceNews) versus 22,000 kg (eoPortal); eoPortal expands CAST as 'China Association for Science and Technology' when it credits the arm, but Xinhua and CASC pages show CAST is the China Academy of Space Technology, so the eoPortal supplier claim was not used. The CAST design paper is cited through a copy hosted at newspaceeconomy.ca because the publisher page returns 403. The resource cabin is described as unpressurised by eoPortal and CAST says only 'resource cabin', so only the node cabin and life control cabin are treated as the pressurised shell. Docking partners (Shenzhou, Tianzhou, Wentian, Mengtian) are recorded as docking-port components and not as relation rows because none of the allowed relation types fits a docking partner. Station-level items not tied to Tianhe alone (add-on debris devices, 110 m3 activity space, orbit band, design life) are labelled as station-level. More detail: Not found in public sources: Tianhe pressure-shell wall and MMOD shield design (the only debris-protection reports are station-level add-on devices fitted on spacewalks, module not named); official Hall-thruster maker, model and specific impulse (the CAST paper gives only 4 x 80 mN and xenon; Guokr names an 'LT-100' and an analyst thread names 'HET-80' from a Shanghai institute, neither an official CMSA or CASC statement; the 'LHT-100' of Lanzhou Institute of Physics appears only in an unrelated 2016 IAC abstract for the XX-2 satellite, so no supplied_by row was written for the thrusters); chemical engine models, thrust and propellant (the 26-thruster count, 4 orbit plus 22 attitude, and the MMH/N2O4 guess come only from an analyst thread by Dongfang Hour on Twitter/X and are unofficial); suppliers of the CMGs, computers, docking mechanisms, life-support hardware, cameras and radiators; radiator area; materials other than the 5A06 frame already in the entry (gallium arsenide and lithium-ion cells are stated only generically; the solar-wing 'thin light composite' cover comes from a translated key-data table). The CAST paper (Wang et al. 2023, Space: Science & Technology) states triple-junction gallium arsenide cells at 30% efficiency, which contradicts the 'silicon' cell row already in the entry. Discrepancies: wing length 12.6 m (CAST paper) versus 'more than 12 m' (repost) versus 13 m (Guokr); arm elbow cameras one (Xinhua) versus two (Guokr); separation at 492 s versus 490 s; launch mass 22,500 kg (China Daily, SpaceNews) versus 22,000 kg (eoPortal); eoPortal expands CAST as 'China Association for Science and Technology' when it credits the arm, but Xinhua and CASC pages show CAST is the China Academy of Space Technology, so the eoPortal supplier claim was not used. The CAST design paper is cited through a copy hosted at newspaceeconomy.ca because the publisher page returns 403. eoPortal puts the engines, tanks and power system in an unpressurised service compartment around the large column segment and resource cabin; the pressurised versus unpressurised split of the resource cabin is not given, and the node cabin diameter is not published in the sources found. eoPortal says the module has two pairs of solar wings, while CAST and CGTN pages describe two wings (67 m2 each). Docking partners (Shenzhou, Tianzhou, Wentian, Mengtian) are recorded in the docking-port components because none of the allowed relation types fits a docking partner. Station-level figures (orbit band, design life, 110 m3 activity space, CMG accuracy, 30% cell efficiency) are labelled as station-level.", "depth": "partial", "photos": [ { "file": "products/context/cmse-tianhe-core-module-1.jpg", "alt": "Full-scale Tianhe core module mockup with Chinese flag and robotic arm and spacesuit display, at the National Museum of", "long": "Full-scale Tianhe core module mockup with Chinese flag and robotic arm and spacesuit display, at the National Museum of China (a museum replica, not flight hardware).", "kind": "artwork", "context": "Museum mockup", "credit": "Shujianyang / via Wikimedia Commons", "license": "CC0", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tianhe_core_module_mockup_at_NMC.jpg" }, { "file": "products/context/cmse-tianhe-core-module-2.jpg", "alt": "Interior of the Tianhe core module mockup at the National Museum of China showing control screens and a space centrifuge", "long": "Interior of the Tianhe core module mockup at the National Museum of China showing control screens and a space centrifuge panel (museum replica).", "kind": "artwork", "context": "Museum mockup, interior", "credit": "Shujianyang / via Wikimedia Commons", "license": "CC0", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tianhe_core_module_interior_at_NMC_01.jpg" }, { "file": "products/context/cmse-tianhe-core-module-3.jpg", "alt": "Full-scale Tianhe core module mockup on display at the China Science and Technology Museum, with visitors in front (museum", "long": "Full-scale Tianhe core module mockup on display at the China Science and Technology Museum, with visitors in front (museum replica).", "kind": "artwork", "context": "Museum mockup", "credit": "Shujianyang / via Wikimedia Commons", "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0", "page_url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tianhe_core_module_mockup_at_CSTM_01.jpg" } ], "context": { "size": [], "mass": [], "orbit": [ "Low Earth orbit" ] }, "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.", "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp" }