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Project 921-2

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Project 921-2 is the name given by the People's Republic of China in 1992 for plans to create a manned space station. China will launch a small 8.5 ton space laboratory called Tiangong 1 in 2011. Following Tiangong 1, a more advanced space laboratory complete with cargo ship called Tiangong 2 will be built. The project will culminate with Tiangong 3 which will consist of a 20-ton core module, 2 smaller research modules, and cargo transport craft

Project History

In 1999 project 921-2 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.
• 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).

Originally, China planned to simply dock Shenzhou 8 and Shenzhou 9 together to for a simple space laboratory. However, it was decided to abandon that plan and launch a small space laboratory instead. In 2007, plans for an 8-metric ton "space laboratory" being launched in 2010 under the designation of Tiangong 1 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.

In September 29, 2008, Zhang Jianqi (张建启), Vice Director of China manned space engineering, declared in an interview of China Central Television it is Tiangong 1 (i.e. not Shenzhou 8) that will be the 8-ton "target vehicle", and Shenzhou 8, Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 10 will all be spaceships to dock with Tiangong 1 in turn.

At 1 Oct. 2008, Shanghai Space Administration, which participate in the development of Shenzhou 8, stated that they have succeeded in the simulated experiments for the docking of Tiangong 1 and Shenzhou 8.

Another 8-metric ton "space laboratory" will be launched sometime between 2012 and 2017. 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 ~2017-20.

Details

Tiangong 1 8 ton "target vehicle"

The Chinese Space Lab will be launched in 2011. 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: 8,500 kg (17,600 lb).
• One docking port

A two cabin configuration is indicated, with an Experiment Module, besides the front-end docking mechanism. The Experiment Module provides resources for the Orbital Module such as electric power. Tiangong 1 is also the prototype for the cargo spacecraft that will shuttle supplied to Tiangong 2 and Tiangong 3.

Tiangong 2 20 ton "space laboratory"

The Chinese Space Lab will be launched in the 2012-2017 timeframe. Probable configuration is as following:

• Crew Size: 3.
• Length: ?
• Basic Diameter: ?
• Maximum Diameter: 5m
• Span: ?
• Mass: 20,000 kg.
• Two docking ports

Tiangong 3"space station"

Configuration:

• A 20 metric ton core module with a multi-docking berthing mechanism allowing for at least 4 craft to dock with it.
• Two research and experimentation modules.

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 concern elsewhere. China is the most notable absentee from the International Space Station. After the success of China's manned space launch, China formally requested a spot on the International Space Station. The proposal of cooperation was rejected by the US.

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.

References

• "China Might Be Planning Early Space Station Attempt". SpaceDaily.com. February 19, 2006. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_Might_Be_Planning_Early_Space_Station_Attempt.html. 
• Article on Project 921-2
• China plans more space missions - October 16, 2003 article
• Details of Project 921

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