From what I gathered there is only one docking port (the one along the axis) has automated docking system. Later module would docking with this port first. After that one of robot arms would secure the module, undock it and dock it again to another designated port. I assume the motive is it's easier less risking to auto dock the central port (easier maneuver and better clearance from everything else).
China's Space Program News Thread
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I didn't know that. Thanks for the info. That would be easier and less risky than attempting a docking at 90 degrees to the Tianhe module. Naturally, the previous reasons I'd given no longer apply.
The forward, rear and nadir ports on Tianhe are docking ports with all the provisions for guidance for automated docking. The port and starboard ports are berthing ports, they don't have the equipment for automated docking and are intended only for long term lab modules. When a new lab module arrives it connects to the forward docking port, then the remote manipulator arm would grab it, undock it and then move it to a berthing port and redock it there instead.
A first? official statement about the status of the LM5B, from Wang Wenbin. He claims that the missile is deactivated and calls the core the "upper stage", which is technically not correct. The truth is that it is not common practice to de-orbit the core stage in an uncontrolled manner. AFAIK, the Shuttle, Ariane 5 and Energia placed their cores in elliptical orbits that intersected the atmosphere at perigee. In this way, the re-entry can be predicted.
As I speculated earlier, they likely traded payload for extra first stage propellant: the Tianhe would need about 700kg of extra fuel to elevate its orbit had they done things in a proper civilized manner.
As I speculated earlier, they likely traded payload for extra first stage propellant: the Tianhe would need about 700kg of extra fuel to elevate its orbit had they done things in a proper civilized manner.
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The core module #Tianhe from the Chinese space station #CSS with his robotic arm deployed, photographed by Philippe Smith on May 6 from New York.
Then some netizen posted this question to Henri Kehnmann's tweet on Tianhe:
"Like all the Chinese media, you never mentioned the loss of control over the vector of this mission which will make its atmospheric re-entry. Maybe to avoid problems with the Chinese authorities who censor anything in the way.
Henri's reply:
The reentry of any rocket body whatsoever is rarely controlled (the stages no longer have propellants to do anything after neutralization), but often calculated.
The same netizen again:
Still, you could have said a word about this incident which is not trivial since the other space powers have good control over the fallout of their space objects."
Henri's reply:
Then some Other netizen posted a screenshot like below:
A screenshot of the MSM coverage upon the uncontrolled rocket re-entries - note the differences!
Then some netizen posted this question to Henri Kehnmann's tweet on Tianhe:
"Like all the Chinese media, you never mentioned the loss of control over the vector of this mission which will make its atmospheric re-entry. Maybe to avoid problems with the Chinese authorities who censor anything in the way.
Henri's reply:
"The media hysteria reminds me of the story of the return of Tiangong-1 in 2018. And we know the end.
The reentry of any rocket body whatsoever is rarely controlled (the stages no longer have propellants to do anything after neutralization), but often calculated.
The same netizen again:
"Regarding the media hysteria I agree with you, an opportunity to do "China bashing".
Still, you could have said a word about this incident which is not trivial since the other space powers have good control over the fallout of their space objects."
Henri's reply:
"They don't handle it better, it's just that the media doesn't talk about it. Nuance."
Then some Other netizen posted a screenshot like below:
A screenshot of the MSM coverage upon the uncontrolled rocket re-entries - note the differences!
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Thanks for the heads up. Added him to my list. Haven’t been up to date to new trolls
Is Henri Kehnmann of Chinese ethnicity?
Henri K is my favorite China military blogger, but he is deliberately misleading here.
Other launch systems that put their core stages into orbit do so in a manner that allows before hand to predict the area where they will re-enter the atmosphere and brake up. Henri K would also call these "uncontrolled", but there is a big difference in being able to predict the re-entry area and design your launch trajectory accordingly, compared to merely leaving it to the gods. I agree that the chances of human casualty are low, but if China wants the world to treat it with respect it behooves them to start displaying responsible behavior.
The CZ-5 is the rocket with the largest "upper stage" that reaches orbit currently in service anywhere in the world right? Ariane 5's is quite a lot smaller? It's an interesting design the CZ-5 has and the volume of space it can be changed to accommodate is impressive and looks like it's been designed specifically to build the space station. If they truly don't have actual de-orbit systems on CZ-5 rocket (assuming it wasn't a failure of the system and they truly just didn't care), maybe the outrage and media hysteria will push them to create one because give it enough launches to build the station, however slim the chances are that the stage smashes into population builds to unacceptable levels eventually. Honestly it shouldn't be that difficult to do.
Are there any other launch systems that leave very significant upper stages in orbit? Do they all have rocket powered de-orbit systems in place?
Are there any other launch systems that leave very significant upper stages in orbit? Do they all have rocket powered de-orbit systems in place?
The amount of China hysteria, bashing, sour grapes, double standard, insecurity, and hate is just astronomical. This is no longer a constructive debate but rather an attempt to demonize China and Chinese achievement no matter what. When MSM uses front pages to coverage such trivial thing and make a big deal out of nothing, you know how comical and pathetic that is.
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