Tiangong3

Tiangong 3 is a Chinese space station launched on September 21, 2020, as part of China's space program. It is the third and final space station in the Tiangong series, following Tiangong 1 and Tiangong 2, both of which were operated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

Tiangong 3 was launched using the Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Gansu province. The space station is approximately 10-meters long and 4.2-meters wide. It is equipped with solar panels and fuel tanks to sustain its operations for up to a year.

Tiangong 3 serves as a scientific research and technology testbed for the CNSA. It is designed to support various experiments in microgravity conditions, including life sciences, physical sciences, and space technology demonstrations. The space station also features a laboratory bench, a sample container, and a manipulator to facilitate the operation and maintenance of experiments.

The CNSA has stated that Tiangong 3 is an essential component of its space station program, aimed at establishing a sustainable and self-sufficient long-duration presence in space. By operating a space station, the CNSA seeks to expand its capabilities in space exploration, develop expertise in long-duration spaceflight, and conduct scientific research on the space environment.

The mission of Tiangong 3 is expected to continue for several years, with the space station periodically transiting from night orbit to day orbit and back. Throughout its operation, the CNSA has successfully demonstrated the capabilities and versatility of its space stations, aiding in the development of advanced space technologies and continued exploration of space.