Tiangong-2 will carry a closed cycle ecosystem experiment + more

[xenomorph555]

An interview with China's space station chief designer was given today. He gave some some information on T-2 which I will go over quickly;

Currently on target.

Launching in May or June 2016.

It will launch after the first LM-7 launch in April 2016 which will carry a mockup Tianzhou.

It will be followed by Shenzhou-11 most likely in July.

It contains a smaller version of T-3's life support system, this is much more regenerative and closed then T-1's and will mean that S-11 could stay for up to a month.

S-12/13 will stay for longer, possibly up to 2-3 months.

Will carry a new two-way docking port.

However the most important thing he mentioned was that T-2 will carry a small prototype, biological closed cycle life support system based of the Yuegong-1 system, now it should be noted that the system is small and won't support the crew. It is merely an experiment for a larger life support system for T-3 or T-4. It is made up of only plants (no insects yet) and is hoped in the future it will be able to generate oxygen, remove CO2 and generate food.

Overall progress is good, I do hope for success with the Closed cycle system though.

[Scotius]

Very interesting. I hope more information on life-support system will be released.

[impwarhamer]

ooh interesting. Are there any experiments like this being/been run on the ISS?

[AngelLestat]

that is a good news, that's the kind of experiments in conjunction with artificial gravity that we need to do if we thoght some day put a foot in mars. Which the ISS is doing nothing in that direction.

[xenomorph555]

ooh interesting. Are there any experiments like this being/been run on the ISS?

The ISS is currently growing vegetables hydroponically and also has rodents on board.

However this was done previously on MIR and is not new.

[AngelLestat]

The iss is not a closed cycle eco-system

[xenomorph555]

The iss is not a closed cycle eco-system

Didn't say it was, but they do grow lettuce and stuff as experiments, banned from eating it though.

[LordFerret]

The ISS is currently growing vegetables hydroponically and also has rodents on board.

However this was done previously on MIR and is not new.

Wondering if that's intentional. lol

[vger]

A renewable, self-replenishing life support system?

oooOOOOOOOOhhhhhhh!!!!!

[PB666]

A renewable, self-replenishing life support system?

oooOOOOOOOOhhhhhhh!!!!!

You people get excited about the wierdest things

How to make ISS a closed ecosystem.

Set free the rats, let the rats eat plants, then humans eat the rats. Once you get out of your system, sell ISS to Chinese and build better station without plants or rats.

What I would want in a space station:

1. Artificial gravity

2. Bathtub/shower (Jacuzzi)

3. Cloths washing machine, dryer to but that would be asking alot, just hang the clothes out and they will dry fast enough.

4. One of those rooms like in trailer for Barbarella, complete with . .younger version of JF.

Edited March 5, 2015 by PB666

[vger]

You people get excited about the wierdest things

Oh comeon, that's not a fair thing to say. I am a very logical, unemotional, intellectu.... hey look! SQUIIIIIIRRRRREL!!!!

...in a renewable self-replenishing life support system.

[magnemoe]

Didn't say it was, but they do grow lettuce and stuff as experiments, banned from eating it though.

Why? are they afraid its poisoned?

Note that you can buy your own ecosystem, an closed glass sphere with plants in it and even some miniature scrimps.

[xenomorph555]

Why? are they afraid its poisoned?

Not quite sure, maybe they wan't to examine it.

[vger]

Not quite sure, maybe they wan't to examine it.

Dr. Wernher: Get those samples from of the processing lab immediately. I want to examine the results!

Jeb: You mean the vegetable garden?

Dr. Wernher: ...why?

Jeb: Well, we ran out of snacks, so we ate the experiments.

Dr. Wernher: *groan - headdesk*