/sci/ - Science & Math

>The first module for the Chinese space station will launch next year
>In total 11 launches will be conducted to complete the construction of the space station by around 2023
>China will launch its Tianwen-1 Mars mission in July and Chang’e-5 lunar sample return in the fourth quarter before proceeding to launch the space station core module.
>The three-module, 66-metric-ton space station will host three astronauts for six month rotations
>The outpost will orbit at between 340-450 kilometers for at least 10 years. Orbital inclination will be around 43 degrees to allow crewed launches to the station from Jiuquan in the Gobi Desert.
>The station could potentially be expanded to six modules, using apparent backup modules.
>A co-orbiting two-metre-aperture space telescope will also be launched following completion of the basic station configuration. The ‘Xuntian’ optical module will be able to dock with the space station for maintenance and repairs.
>“Its resolution ratio will be equivalent to the well-known Hubble telescope, but its field angle will be 300 times larger than the Hubble telescope.
https://spacenews.com/china-outlines-intense-space-station-launch-schedule-new-astronaut-selection/