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Tianzhou 1

Tianzhou 1
Tiangong 1 graphic
Tiangong 1
Mission type Tiangong-2 resupply
Operator CNSA
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft Tianzhou-1
Spacecraft type Tianzhou
Launch mass Under 13,000 kg (29,000 lb)
Dimensions 9 m × 3.35 m (29.5 ft × 11.0 ft)
Start of mission
Launch date 2017
Rocket Long March 7
Launch site Wenchang LC-2
Docking with Tiangong-2
Docking port Fore
Testing Core Module launch →

Tianzhou 1 is the planned debut mission of the Tianzhou-class unmanned cargo spacecraft. It is being developed as part of the manned space program of China. Tianzhou means "heavenly vessel" in Chinese. It is planned to dock with the Tiangong-2 space laboratory in the first half of 2017.

It will use the first flight model of the Tianzhou. It is a Chinese automated cargo spacecraft developed from the Tiangong-1 to resupply its future modular space station.

This mission will demonstrate the Tianzhou spacecraft and its capabilities. It will critically demonstrate propellant transfer for the Chinese space station, the last big hurdle for the long duration expeditions.


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