Artist’s conception of the Tiangong-1 experimental space station module (Source: Xinhua).

According to Xinhua, the first Chinese space station module Tiangong-1 has reached the desired 363 kilometers high orbit. All the systems appears to be in good condition and all tests went on fine during the first days of orbital activities. The unmanned module, Tiangong-1, or Heavenly Palace-1, was launched on Sept. 29 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China’s desert area, on top of a Long March rocket. According to the press release, during its first 109 orbits, the station completed testing of remote control system, video/audio equipments, temperature/humidity sensors, docking facilities and other functions. The Jiuquan Lauch Center is now preparing for the launch of the unmanned Shenzhou-8, scheduled by later this year. It will be the first Chinese attempt at docking.

 

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Andrea Gini

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Andrea Gini is a content strategy consultant specialized in companies of the space sector. He is founder of Space Safety Magazine, where he held the position of Editor-in-Chief until March 2015. Between 2011 and 2013 he worked in the European Space Agency in the Independent Safety Office, which overviews the utilization of the International Space Station. He previously worked as Software Developer, IT Consultant, and trainer of Java-related technologies. Andrea holds a BSc and an MSc in computer science from the University of Milano, a Master in Communication of Science from the International School for Advanced Studies of Trieste and a MSc in Space Studies from the International Space University.

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