ongoingSpace station · low Earth orbit

Tiangong

天宫

As of: 01/06/2026

Source/Licence: placeholder image – to be cleared

Overview

China’s permanently crewed low-Earth-orbit station comprises the Tianhe core module (2021) and the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules (both 2022). It is staffed by rotating Shenzhou crews and resupplied by Tianzhou cargo craft, hosting experiments in materials science, biology and fundamental physics, according to CMSA.

As of: 01 Jun 2026.

Quick facts

Status: ongoing
Launch vehicle: Long March 5B (modules)
Launch site: Wenchang Space Launch Site
Operator: CMSA

Mission goals

Establish a permanent crewed presence in low Earth orbit
Fundamental research under microgravity (materials science, biology, physics)
Test platform for future long-duration and deep-space missions

Timeline / milestones

April 2021Launch of the Tianhe (天和) core module
July 2022Docking of the Wentian (问天) lab module
October 2022Docking of the Mengtian (梦天) lab module
November 2022Completion of the three-module T-shaped base configuration

Scientific results / significance

With its completion in 2022, China has a permanent, independent presence in low Earth orbit. According to CMSA, experiments in materials science, biology and fundamental physics run continuously on board; the station also serves as a testbed for technologies future lunar and deep-space missions will need.

Video

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