China’s Decision to Build First Chinese Space Station in Orbit

China has launched its mission to start a new space station. Beijing has indicated that it would enhance its ambitious space program by commencing an orbital construction project whose completion is scheduled to be in 2022. The Tianhe module which houses living quarters for its crew members was launched on the Long March-5B rocket from the Space Launch Center located in Wenchang.

Having sent its first astronaut to orbit in 2003, China has occupied the place of a late starter in space exploration world, coming third after Russia and the United States. To date, the International Space Station (ISS) is the only space station operating in orbit. However, China is excluded from the ISS. The reason why China is excluded from the ISS is because it has a history of human rights violations and does not serve as an ISS partner. China has not progressed when with regard to its human rights violations and is still not a partner. China has collaborated with other countries and has slowly built up its space program, Project 921. It seems that China is branching out and conducting more activities within space with its new ambitious space station.

At the present moment, NASA is not allowed to work with Chinese nationals or entities related to China in any form or fashion due to various security threats and issues.

China is now presenting its plan to build its own space station.

But what are the details of the Chinese Space Station?

The Details of the Proposed Chinese Space Station

Well, the exact date when the Chinese Space Station will be launched remains concealed. However, the completion date of the project is stated as 2022. In particular, the space station will be an 18-meter-long-core module named Tianhe.

Deeper details have emerged that the space station will house the living quarters of about three astronauts. Other compartments of the Chinese Space Station will include a control center, a propulsion system, power system, and a life support system.

While the Tianhe is only a quarter the size of the International Space Station, it will be slightly bigger than the Mir, Russia’s space station that was launched after the ISS. China’s swift space development initiatives have been attributed to its undemocratic government that shuns infighting and opposition.

Why the rush?

It is only about 15 years since Beijing sent its first astronaut to orbit. Similarly, China has hit a milestone as the first country to successfully land a robotic spacecraft on Moon’s far side. Then why is Beijing still in a rush to launch its space station?

Well, the advantages of embracing advanced space capabilities cannot be underestimated for a country that is in deep pursuit of grabbing the ‘super power’ badge.  In essence, China’s ability to strengthen its space capabilities will enhance its ability to strengthen its militaristic and civilian communications.

Similarly, China’s heavy investment in human spaceflights like the Tianhe will enhance Beijing’s international prestige, while availing its populations to access cutting edge innovations and research capabilities. Previous experiments conducted in space have presented a wide range of breakthroughs that have addressed a series of environmental, healthcare and technological issues.

China remains hopeful that the researches undertaken on the CSS will support Beijing’s long-term space exploration goals, particularly its missions to Mars and Moon. The CSS will be China’s largest space cooperation initiative.

Space Based Initiatives Are Far From A Waste of Time and Money and China Knows It

Space infrastructure with satellites and advancements in space help to improve the quality of life of people on the Earth. It helps directions to where you would like to go and helps with farming, military operations, and other segments of industry. Further, advancements made by NASA has helped to bring about treadmills and cordless vacuums. Recall that conducting operations in space require a great deal of logic, creativity, and advancement of current human knowledge, that is why it is far from a surprise that China is pushing forward in this race. The United States will have to increase its budget allocation to NASA and its group of researchers to continue to operate on all cylinders and push forward on its many missions.