Tianzhou 2

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Tianzhou 2
Tianzhou 1 model
A 1:144 scale Tianzhou 1 model
Mission typeTiangong space station resupply
OperatorCNSA
COSPAR ID2021-046A
SATCAT no.48803
Websitehttp://www.cnsa.gov.cn/
Mission duration12 months (planned)
8 months and 8 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftTianzhou-2
Spacecraft typeTianzhou
ManufacturerChina Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Launch mass13,640 kg (30,070 lb)
Dry mass6,640 kg (14,640 lb)
Dimensions10.6 m × 3.35 m (34.8 ft × 11.0 ft)
Powerwatts
Expedition
Space StationTiangong space station
Start of mission
Launch date29 May 2021, 12:55:29 UTC[1]
RocketLong March 7
Launch siteWenchang Satellite Launch Center, LC-2
ContractorChina Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Inclination41.5°
Docking with Chinese Space Station
Docking portTianhe Aft port
Docking date29 May 2021, 21:01 UTC [2]
Undocking date18 September 2021, 02:25 UTC
Time docked3 months and 19 days
Docking with Chinese Space Station
(Relocation)
Docking portTianhe Forward port
Docking date18 September 2021, ~06:00 UTC
Undocking date5 January 2022, 22:12 UTC
Time docked109 days, 16 hours and 12 minutes
Docking with Chinese Space Station
(Test)
Docking portTianhe Forward port
Docking date5 January 2022, 22:59 UTC
Undocking date7 January 2022, ~22:00 UTC
Time docked1 day, 22 hours and 56 minutes
Docking with Chinese Space Station
(Test)
Docking portTianhe Forward port
Docking date7 January 2022, 23:55 UTC
Time docked30 days and 2 minutes
Cargo
Mass6,640 kg (14,640 lb) [3]
Pressurised4,690 kg (10,340 lb)
Fuel1,950 kg (4,300 lb)
Tianzhou 2 mission.png
Tianzhou 2 mission logo  

Tianzhou 2 (Chinese: 天舟二号) is a Mission of the Tianzhou-class unmanned cargo spacecraft. The launch took place at 29 May 2021, 12:55:29 UTC.[4][1] The spacecraft successfully docked with the Tiangong space station later on the same day.[2]

Mission profile[]

Tianzhou 2 is a part of the construction of the Tiangong space station, and is the first cargo resupply mission to the already launched Tianhe core module (CCM).[5] The spacecraft remained docked to the aft docking port of Tianhe until the concurrent manned mission Shenzhou 12 deorbited in September, after which it was moved to the forward docking port.[6] It will then conduct propellant transfer testing with Tianhe and serve as a test unit for Tianhe's robotic arm to manipulate modules as part of space station construction.[7]

Spacecraft[]

Main article: Tianzhou (spacecraft)

The Tianzhou cargo spacecraft has several notable differences with the Tiangong-1 from which it is derived. It has only three segments of solar panels (against 4 for Tiangong), but has 4 maneuvering engines (against 2 for Tiangong).[8]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "长征七号遥三火箭 • 天舟二号货运飞船 •• 快速对接 •发射成功 • LongMarch-7 Y3 • Tianzhou-2". spaceflightfans.cn. 29 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b Jones, Andrew (29 May 2021). "Tianzhou-2 docks with China's space station module". SpaceNews. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Cargo ship docks with Chinese space station". Spaceflight Now. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  4. ^ Graham, William (19 May 2021). "China launches Tianzhou 2, first cargo mission to new space station". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  5. ^ Barbosa, Rui C. (1 March 2021). "China preparing to build Tiangong station in 2021, complete by 2022". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  6. ^ http://www.china.org.cn/china/2021-09/18/content_77762582.htm
  7. ^ "Astronauts conduct second Chinese space station spacewalk". 20 August 2021.
  8. ^ Baylor, Michael (20 May 2021). "Tianzhou 2". Next Spaceflight. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
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