Tiangong-2: what we can speculate

[xenomorph555]

Tiangong-2 is one of the most important projects in the chinese civilian space program, it also happens to be one of the most secret. But how can that be, it's going to be their new space station launching next year, well... I can't actually answer that

We basically know very little on the station, from structure, to capabilities, etc and most data is scattered across the web.

Here is some data I have scavenged over the months (because I obsess over odd things :S).

Firstly tiangong 2 was originally going to be the backup for t-1, however it was decided to move on to something more advanced so they started building a new one. From speculation we can guess it will be larger, personally I think in length then in diameter, but the same structure as t-1. The backup will likely be used as an experimental module like tks for salyut-7.

Secondly we know that there will be a resupply ship to do refuelling experiments, so there is most likely going to be a second docking post on the service section. BUT will the crew members be able to access it, most likely yes but there is always the possibility it won't be accessible, it depends on the size which we do not know.

Because there is going to be resupply ships it can be speculated that the life support and therefore missions will be increased probably to 30 days.

It has been stated there will be 3 manned missions, the chinese usually deliver but to the precise point. So expect no more then 3 manned missions.

It has been scheduled for a 2015 launch, but was recently revealed it could be pushed back to 2016, giving it a 4 year lifetime.

Cant think of anything else just yet, if you know something else or have a speculation based on data please post.

[Kryten]

They seem to have reverted to the original plan of flying the T-1 backup as T-2, albeit with pretty extensive modifications. There's only one docking port, the cargo freighter will transfer fuel only between shenzhou visits. Given it's still very much an experimental station, I doubt they'll drag it out to anything like 2020 and instead switch to T-3 as soon as CZ-7/5 (depending on how big it ultimately is) is ready for the launch. BtW, this isn't secret at all, it's just not terribly well covered in english. Most of the stuff in this post can be gleaned from

of a Chinese presentation, in english, at a public international space travel conference.

[xenomorph555]

interesting video, also where did you hear they were reverting to the original plan?

[jfull]

Very interesting view, I didn't realize they had made so many launches.

Also, the Tiangong-1 actually looks very comfortable inside

[xenomorph555]

Also, the Tiangong-1 actually looks very comfortable inside

Yes, it has a diameter similar to iss and looks spacious. Although it does lack a kitchen, toilet, washing kit and 3rd bed, kitchen and toilet are on the shenzhou orbital module and the 3rd crew member sleeps in the shenzhou. Apart from that it has everything they need, although I hope t-2 improves.