China is preparing to launch the second module to its space station in orbit after transporting the Long March 5B rocket and the Wentian module to the launch pad in Wenchang.
According to plans, the Wentian module is set to launch atop the Long March 5B rocket early on July 24, and will dock with the main Tianhe module in orbit a few hours later, marking a significant step in China’s Tiangong space station construction plan. Three astronauts from the Shenzhou 14 mission are currently in the Tianhe module, awaiting the arrival of the new module, as reported by Space on July 20.
Long March 5B rocket on the launch pad in Wenchang. (Photo: CFOTO)
The heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket, standing at 53 meters tall and carrying the Wentian module, was transported vertically from the assembly building to the coastal launch pad on Hainan Island on July 18. This 849,000 kg rocket traveled a distance of 2,800 meters to the launch pad in over two hours.
Engineers will conduct various launch function checks and coordination tests in the days leading up to the launch, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The Wentian module is encased in a 20.5-meter-long conical nose section. This part will detach as the spacecraft is about to exit Earth’s atmosphere. After launching, Wentian will chase and dock with the Tianhe module, which is orbiting at an altitude of 381 km above Earth. Subsequently, this module will be moved from the forward docking port to a side port, preparing it for operation. The 10-meter robotic arm of the Tianhe module will be used to reposition the Wentian module.
The design of Wentian includes a series of laboratory compartments for conducting scientific experiments in orbit. The module also features a secondary sleeping area for astronauts during rotations, allowing for a total of six crew members to temporarily stay on the Tiangong space station.
The Long March 5B rocket has a main stage with a diameter of 5 meters and four auxiliary engines providing additional thrust, enabling it to transport cargo such as the 22,000 kg module to the Chinese space station. Wentian is one of two modules planned for launch into orbit this year. China intends to launch another experimental module named Mengtian in October 2022. Together, these two modules will combine with the main Tianhe module to form a T-shaped space station, which can operate for at least a decade.
