While the Cassini probe makes its mission-ending dive into the upper atmosphere of Saturn, much closer to home China's Tiangong-2 space lab is marking a year in orbit.

Since Tiangong-2 was launched late on September 15, 2016, it has hosted China's longest crewed mission so far, performed a range of science experiments, been the target for the country's first orbital refuellings and docking tests with the Tianzhou-1 cargo ship, and is soon set to continue orbiting alone.

Tiangong-2 was designed and launched in order to test and verify technologies for larger space station modules.

As such, the 10.4 metre long, 3.35 wide, 8.6 tonne space lab is a stepping stone to the first 20 tonne Chinese Space Station (CSS) module, which will launch around 2019.

A rendering of Tiangong-2 (left) docked with Shenzhou-11.

 

A rendering of Tiangong-2 (left) docked with Shenzhou-11. CMSA

This week China's first space freighter, Tianzhou-1, docked with Tiangong-2 for the third and final time, successfully testing a fast-rendezvous procedure.

Following a further refuelling test, Tianzhou-1 will uncouple from Tiangong-2 and be de-orbited into the atmosphere over the South Pacific. 

Ahead of Tiangong-2 being left alone at 390 km above the Earth, here are some of the highlights from the past 12 months. 

Tiangong-2 launch

August 3, 2016: Two Long March 2F rockets transferred to launch site for Tiangong-2, Shenzhou-11 launches

September 15Tiangong-2 launched from Jiuquan by Long March 2F T2 rocket

The Long March 2F-T2 to carry Tiangong-2 into orbit, at the vertical assembly building at Jiuquan.

 

The Long March 2F-T2 to carry Tiangong-2 into orbit, at the vertical assembly building at Jiuquan. CMSA

September 22: Tiangong-2 science payloads start work

Shenzhou-11

October 17Shenzhou-11 launches from Jiuquan by Long March 2F rocket

Shenzhou-11 lifts off atop a Long March 2F at Jiuquan on October 17, 2016.

 

Shenzhou-11 lifts off atop a Long March 2F at Jiuquan on October 17, 2016. CNS

October 19: Shenzhou-11 docks automatically with Tiangong-2 space lab

October 20: Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong begin silkworm experiments, using a treadmill, file first Xinhua space journal

Jing Haipeng 'walks' silkworms aboard Tiangong-2.October 23Banxing-2 companion satellite released to image the Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 spacecraft

November 4: Gastronomical experiences (space journal)

The Banxing-2 'selfie stick' microsatellite images Shenzhou-11 (above) and Tiangong-2.

 

The Banxing-2 'selfie stick' microsatellite images Shenzhou-11 (above) and Tiangong-2. Chinese Academy of Sciences

 

November 17: Astronauts leave Tiangong-2; Shenzhou-11 separation from Tiangong-2

November 18: Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong land safely back on Earth after 33 days in space

 

 

Tianzhou-1

April 20, 2017: China launches Tianzhou-1 to test space station refuelling

Long March 7 (Y2) launches Tianzhou-1

 

Long March 7 (Y2) launches Tianzhou-1 

April 22: Tianzhou-1 successfully docks with Tiangong-2 to test refuelling in microgravity

April 24: Tianzhou-1 begins orbital refuelling test with Tiangong-2

April 27: Tianzhou-1 completes first Tiangong-2 refuelling, clearing way to space station

Tianzhou-1 refuelling the smaller Tiangong-2 in orbit (CMSA).

June 19: Tianzhou-1 completes second orbital refuelling test

June 21: Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 undock, enter free flight phase

September 12: Tianzhou-1 cargo craft and Tiangong-2 space lab perform final orbital docking

The third docking between Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 on September 12, 2017.

 

The third docking between Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 on September 12, 2017. CCTV/Youtube

September 15, 2017: Tiangong-2 marks one year in orbit.

September 2017: Final refuelling test, possible de-orbiting of Tianzhou-1

Chinese Space Station

Following the successes of Tiangong-2, China is clear to proceed with its plans for a large, modular Chinese Space Station.

However, plans to launch the Tianhe-1 core module are likely to be hit by the failure of the second Long March 5 launch on July 2nd.

Quelle: gbtimes