China has been operating its Tiangong space station for over three years. In a rare video tour shared by China’s state-run broadcaster CCTV, the current crew provides an inside look at the station’s facilities. The tour showcases the station’s kitchen and sleeping areas and offers stunning views of Earth.
Crew members highlight features such as a small heater that dispenses water into pouches and a modified microwave in the kitchen. They also display roomy beds with sizable portholes that provide unparalleled views of the Earth below. The tour extends to the station’s two orbital lab segments, where the crew cultivates cherry tomato and lettuce plants in the greenhouse.
This peek behind the curtains of China’s typically secretive space program offers a rare and detailed look at life aboard the station. The Tiangong Space Station was constructed with three modules, fully assembled on Earth, and launched into space on China’s Changzheng 5 rockets. Because ground assembly required minimal construction in space, astronauts could dock with the station less than three months after the first module was in orbit.
Inside Tiangong’s living quarters
While onboard, the crew conducts various scientific experiments similar to those performed by NASA on the International Space Station (ISS). Their research includes studying how zebrafish adapt to microgravity and exploring whether early life forms could survive in the cosmos.
China is now looking to expand its capabilities with new modules and spacecraft. Upgrades to Tiangong are planned to occur in stages. The initial step will be updating the station’s Tianhe core module to accommodate further modules.
Li Ming, chairman of the science and technology committee at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), said, “We aim to upgrade the space station from the T shape to a future cross shape, or Double-T shape.” This configuration will allow for more space science experiment racks and large extravehicular experiments, extending the scale of operations aboard Tiangong. China also aims to foster international cooperation related to Tiangong in scientific experiments and international crewmembers. We are ready to welcome international astronauts to join the Chinese space station program, based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and equality,” Li said.
Tiangong is set to remain operational for at least 10 years and could become the only space station in orbit once the International Space Station is retired around 2030.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
