The integrated Tiangong 1is now encapsulated atop a CZ-2F booster. Credit: CMSE
Orbital module for China’s Shenzhou 8 spaceship. Photo credit: CASC
China is gearing up for this month’s launch of its Tiangong 1 spacecraft – hardware dedicated to that country’s first space rendezvous and docking mission.
According to Chinese space authorities, the integrated Tiangong 1is now encapsulated atop a CZ-2F booster. The launch window has been set from September 27 to September 30 with liftoff taking place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launching Center.
Once in Earth orbit, the Tiangong 1 would be the target of an unpiloted Shenzhou 8 spaceship.
Initially, the coupling of the craft would help China master rendezvous and docking capability. This space test platform can be operated without crew for the long-term. It can also support a human-tended mission for the short term.
Experience gained, note Chinese space authorities, will further the goal of that nation constructing a larger orbiting space complex in years to come.
By Leonard David