The Tiangong space station is a space station which is being constructed by China. The construction of the station is based on the experience from its pioneers, Tiangong-l and Tiangong-2. The first module(舱), the Tianhe core module, was launched(发射) on 29 April 2021, followed by two more modules to be launched in 2022.
According to China Manned Space Agency(CMSA), which operates the space station, the purposes of Tiangong space station are as follows: permanent(永久的) human operations in orbit, long-term spaceflight of the space station, life support technology, ane the hey technology that helps future deep space research.
The Tianhe Core Cabin Module(CCM) provides life support and living room for three astronauts and provides navigation(导航) for the station. The module also provides the station's power and life support system. The station is equipped with a small kitchen for food preparation and especially a first ever microwave oven in the spaceflight, so that astronauts can always have hot food whenever they need. 120 different types of food, which are based on astronauts' preference, are stored in the station.
China's plan to build its own space station was started after NASA refused China's participation in International Space Station in 2011. On 22 February 2017, CMSA and Italian Space Agency(ASD) signed an agreement to cooperate(合作) on long-term human spaceflight activities. The agreement holds importance due to Italy's leading position in the field of human spaceflight, and it shows Italy's expectation in China's developing space station program. Tiangong is also expected to do more experiments with many other countries.
