Tianhe (which translates as "Heavenly Harmony") is the core module and backbone of the Chinese space station, designed to provide the main living quarters and control centre for the station crew.
The configuration of the CZ-5B variant consists of the Long March 5 core stage with its four strapped-on liquid-fueled boosters, but the usual second stage will be absent; in place of the second stage would be heavier low earth orbit payloads.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
INFO WIKIChina is gearing up for its next big leap in space exploration: the construction of its modular crewed space station, the Tiangong.
The Long March 5B heavy-lift rocket to launch China’s first space station module is soon to be assembled at Wenchang for launch in April.
China is preparing to launch three major missions in the next few months to initiate the construction phase of the Chinese space station project.
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