Let’s Meet China’s New Upcoming Space Station!

It’s been decades since the International Space Station, or ISS got launched in 1998. And it’s starting to reach the end of its lifespan in space. But China has been busy lately, setting up another space station.

Earlier in 2021, on April 29th, the Core Cabin Module, called Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, of the space station Tiangong, got launched. And on June 17th, the Shenzhou 12 spacecraft, carrying 3 Chinese astronauts, blasted off, marking the seventh crewed Chinese spaceflight. You guessed right that these two missions are related. The three astronauts then boarded Tianhe and will spend three months conducting multiple tasks, inside and out.

But why a new space station in the first place? Because the ISS is stopping operation at the end of 2024, the date approved by international partner governments, or according to NASA, maybe lasting until 2028. After that, the Tiangong Space Station would be the only operating station. The station would provide opportunities for cooperation with other countries and also space exploration. And since China’s barred from the ISS because of trust reasons, that’s one of the reasons China wants to build a station of its own as well.

And finally, through years of research, experiment, and effort, a space station is on its way. Here’s what Tigger thinks about the Tiangong. “I’m looking forward to this station since it means a great innovation for China and is a stepping stone to further space exploration. That’s important because we can’t always live on Earth. We will eventually need another home somewhere else, and we have to study planets, their atmosphere, weather conditions, to make sure we can survive. Maybe we could make contact with alien life, too, and learn new things about the universe. There’s also another idea of a “space hotel,” basically a gigantic piece of metal floating in space with people inside. But that’s just another space station, only open to the public! So after the ISS, it’s all up to the Tiangong Space Station. Who knows? Space could be hiding many secrets of the past, present, and even the future. It’s like a giant game, with all sorts of weapons, characteristics, and stuff locked! And to unlock them, we have to use our current knowledge and resources. Times ticking, and it wouldn’t wait for any of us.”

Do you agree with Tigger’s opinion? Or do you have your own opinions? How do you think we should expand space exploration? It’s OK to have ideas, and it’s even better to share those opinions with others. And don’t worry if those opinions get shattered by others. Try again, and try to improve. Hey, I just got an idea. If the International Space Station’s shortened to ISS, why don’t we call the Tiangong Space Station the “TSS”? Ding dong! Hello, who’s there? “It’s me, Mr.Alien!” Anyway, that’s the end of this production from the New News Newsminute. Thank you, and I’d better check out what my alien friend is doing here.