Tianzhou-1 completes 3rd refueling of Tiangong-2
China’s test cargo freighter Tianzhou-1 has completed its third refueling test on test space station module Tiangong-2, and has undocked for the last time.
Both will spend a bit more time in orbit, after which they will be deorbited to burn up in the atmosphere.
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China’s test cargo freighter Tianzhou-1 has completed its third refueling test on test space station module Tiangong-2, and has undocked for the last time.
Both will spend a bit more time in orbit, after which they will be deorbited to burn up in the atmosphere.
Readers!
Please consider supporting my work here at Behind the Black. Your support allows me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Only now does it appear that Washington might finally recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are four ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation or subscription:
4. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
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You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above.
Seems kind of wasteful. Even if it was just an empty shell, the station could be useful.
My guess is the station module wasn’t really functional. Sounds like the Chinese were more interested in getting the kinks out of the refueling process. It could be they are planning some long term stuff.
Chris L: The Tiangong-2 module was used for a 30 day manned mission. While there are reasons why it might not be useful to keep it in orbit, I tend to think this is an example of government wastefulness. If it was up to me, I would keep it up there so that it could be attached to the full station when its modules begin launching in the next few years.
Perhaps they will bring it down over China so all that fuel and metal burning across the sky will provide a beautiful light show for the taxpayers. You know, a Chinese fireworks tradition.
I would’ve left the two craft together using the fuel of one to place them in a useful orbit for a emergency air/food/fuel depot or for storage for materials on their new station. They could’ve used it for experiments outside of their normal space station for dangerous projects, or just use the fuel to slingshot around the moon and back and then reentry.
Like Wodum said, wasteful…
As I understand it, Tiangong-2 space lab will be kept in orbit for some time to come (years, if possible), continuing experiments including a gamma ray burst detector. Tianzhou-1 will be deorbited as part of tests for its intended roles of supplying, refuelling, and removing waste from the future Chinese space station. South Pacific is the area the Chinese are targeting for Tianzhou-1 reentry. No info from the manned space agency in charge, but this could happen before the end of the month.
To my readers: Andrew Jones speaks with authority. I don’t know his sources, but his articles at GBTimes about the Chinese space program tend to be the most detailed and accurate of any published.