As the International Space Station (ISS) moves towards the end of its operational life in the early 2030s, China’s Tiangong Space Station is positioned to play a central role in the next phase of space exploration. With comprehensive expansion plans, a focus on scientific advancements, and aspirations for international collaboration, Tiangong could become the primary operational space station in orbit, propelling China to the forefront of space research and development.
China’s journey towards establishing Tiangong as a fully functional space station is both a technological milestone and a diplomatic achievement. Developed independently, largely due to its exclusion from the ISS program, China aimed to create an autonomous space station for research and technological advancements. The exclusion was rooted in international concerns about the military connections within China’s space program, specifically the involvement of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Despite this, China’s steady advancements have now positioned it to potentially fill the void left by the ISS after its retirement.
Tiangong, or the “Heavenly Palace,” has been operational since November 2022 following the successful addition of its third module, Mengtian, which enables scientific research across various disciplines. With a crew of astronauts routinely onboard and regular missions to optimize its systems, Tiangong is expected to become the central research hub in space in the coming decades.
China has laid out a detailed roadmap to expand Tiangong’s capacity and functionality. During the recent International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Li Ming, a representative from the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), announced future upgrades to Tiangong. Planned expansions include new modules to increase its research capabilities, as well as the launch of the Xuntian telescope, which aims to operate alongside Tiangong, facilitating a wide array of astronomical observations.
Xuntian, also known as the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), is expected to be a significant addition to space science. Once operational, it will offer high-definition views of space similar to the Hubble Space Telescope, with a field of view 300 times larger. The Xuntian telescope is designed to dock periodically with Tiangong for servicing, an innovative feature that promises longevity and adaptability, ensuring it remains a valuable tool for global scientists.
Furthermore, China plans to deploy the reusable Mengzhou spacecraft for crew and cargo transport to Tiangong, enhancing logistical support for ongoing missions and allowing for efficient transportation and resupply.
China has expressed a commitment to international collaboration on Tiangong. According to Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the agency is already engaging with partner countries to select and train astronauts from different nations for future missions aboard Tiangong. This commitment was reaffirmed as China invited proposals for collaborative scientific projects from the international community, signaling its openness to sharing research opportunities on Tiangong.
The nation is also proactively working on establishing partnerships for data sharing from Xuntian, which will allow scientists worldwide to access its observations, fostering a collaborative environment reminiscent of the ISS. Tiangong’s modular design and emphasis on shared research space represent a broader vision to establish itself as a space station for all, provided collaboration is rooted in “mutual respect, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and equality,” as the CMSA outlined.
In late October, the Shenzhou-19 mission launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying three astronauts, including China’s first female space engineer, on a six-month mission to Tiangong. This mission’s goals are critical to the station’s operations and long-term objectives, focusing on fine-tuning Tiangong’s systems in low Earth orbit and advancing China’s expertise in space station maintenance and development.
The crew aboard Shenzhou-19 is conducting scientific experiments, performing extravehicular activities, and installing protective measures against potential space debris. Additionally, they are responsible for managing the station’s extravehicular payloads and equipment, ensuring that Tiangong remains safe and operational. This crew’s contributions will be instrumental in enhancing the station’s functionality and readiness for further international collaborations.
Since its inception, the ISS has been a symbol of international cooperation in space. Operational since May 2009, the ISS has hosted a rotating crew of astronauts and cosmonauts from different countries, representing a joint effort from agencies including NASA, Japan’s JAXA, Russia’s Roscosmos, Canada’s CSA, and the European Space Agency (ESA). Comprising multiple laboratories and facilities for scientific research, the ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of around 370 to 460 kilometers and travels at a remarkable speed of 17,500 miles per hour, completing an orbit approximately every 90 minutes.
As the ISS approaches the end of its operational life, NASA has already begun plans for its safe decommissioning. In collaboration with SpaceX, NASA has committed up to $843 million to fund the development of a specialized Dragon spacecraft to guide the ISS into a controlled descent, concluding its mission with a descent into a remote ocean location around 2031. This planned deorbit marks the conclusion of one of humanity’s most significant achievements in space collaboration, underscoring the importance of establishing new infrastructure in low Earth orbit.
Once the ISS is decommissioned, Earth’s orbit will host a smaller but equally ambitious set of space stations. China’s Tiangong is poised to take on a leading role, offering a research platform for international experiments and potentially becoming the only operational space station for a period. Alongside Tiangong, new players are entering the space station race, such as India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which plans to establish its own space station by 2030.
To prepare, ISRO is currently developing the Space Docking Experiment (Spadex), a critical technology for managing station operations. This technology will be essential for transferring astronauts and supplies between spacecraft, a capability that will elevate ISRO’s capacity for extended missions in low Earth orbit.
Tiangong, though currently about 20% the size of the ISS, is equipped to support scientific research across a range of disciplines, from biology to material science. With sophisticated laboratory facilities, advanced life support systems, and extravehicular capabilities, Tiangong allows for a range of scientific experiments and engineering tests. It also boasts two robotic arms designed to capture objects in orbit, which could have applications in debris removal or satellite servicing, though these capabilities have raised concerns about potential military uses.
While China asserts that Tiangong is purely for peaceful purposes and scientific research, some nations remain cautious, given the potential dual-use nature of space technology. The station’s technical capabilities, coupled with China’s active outreach to international partners, suggest a strategy aimed at positioning Tiangong not just as a Chinese achievement but as a central hub for global space science in the coming decades.
In line with its commitment to international cooperation, China is actively working to promote joint research opportunities on Tiangong. The station has already hosted a number of scientific experiments, and the addition of new modules will enable more complex, long-term projects. By offering research space and sharing data from the Xuntian telescope, China is laying the groundwork for cross-border scientific partnerships. Countries like Pakistan have expressed interest, and a Pakistani astronaut may participate in a future Tiangong mission.
Tiangong’s collaborative platform can potentially fill the gap left by the ISS and provide a venue for countries and private companies interested in conducting experiments in low Earth orbit. However, some analysts point out that China’s role as a leading provider of space research facilities could also serve to extend its geopolitical influence, particularly in regions with emerging space programs.
