The footage shared by the China Manned Space Agency on June 14 shows the Tiangong space station in its new configuration following a series of missions to and from the station.
The latest shape of the Tiangong station after a series of recent changes. (Video: Space)
The cargo spacecraft Tianzhou 5 detached from the Tiangong station on May 5, freeing up the docking port for the next supply mission. Tianzhou 6, carrying essentials, scientific experiments, and propellant, was launched to the Tiangong station on May 11, preparing for the next crew of astronauts.
China launched the Shenzhou 16 crewed mission on May 30, sending three astronauts to the Tiangong station for a five-month mission. They took over the station from the Shenzhou 15 crew, which returned to Earth on June 4. Finally, the Tianzhou 5 completed its free-flight mission and docked with the Tiangong station again on June 5. This cargo spacecraft will receive waste from the Tiangong station before departing orbit in the near future.
The Shenzhou 16 spacecraft docking with the port at the Tianhe core module of the station.
In the video, the Shenzhou 16 spacecraft docks with the port at the Tianhe core module of the station. The cargo bay hatch of the Wentian experimental module can be seen through the panoramic camera outside the module.
The Shenzhou 16 crew consists of commander Jing Haipeng, fellow astronaut Zhu Yangzhu, and payload specialist Gui Haichao, who is the first Chinese citizen in space. They will conduct a series of missions during their stay at the Tiangong station, including installing several large devices outside the station, such as radiation exposure experiments and other components on the exterior of the Wentian module.
According to the schedule, the trio will also study new quantum phenomena and conduct experiments related to testing general relativity and exploring the origins of life. They will participate in online science classes. They are the fifth crew to fly to the Tiangong station and the second since the completion of the three-module space station in November 2022.
