China Launches Space Station Laboratory Module 178
Posted
by
timothy
from the all-space-stations-must-charge-with-micro-usb dept.
from the all-space-stations-must-charge-with-micro-usb dept.
wisebabo writes with news from CNN that "China's first space laboratory module launched Thursday, according to state-run media, an important milestone in China's plan to build a space station." The module, known as Tiangong-1, features sleeping areas and exercise equipment. Writes wisebabo: "In another universe (Arthur C. Clarke's 2011), it would be on its way to Europa by now. Anyone know what orbital plane/altitude it's at? Can it be reached by NASA/Soyuz? Are the docking ports compatible? How about the air pressure/breathing mix?"
Good or bad neighbors with the ISS? (Score:4, Funny)
Will they make sneering faces at each other? Rude hand gestures? Will they "haze" the other space station? Teepee their solar collectors in the night? Will the ISS astronauts pop in from time to time to borrow a cup of sugar? Host a friendly neighborhood barbecue?
Can it be reached by NASA? (Score:5, Funny)
Can it be reached by NASA
Unfortunately, no. NASA doesn't currently have a man-rated vehicle that can exceed about 60,000 feet.
The DOD can probably deliver a decent size payload to it, but their craft aren't exactly designed to dock in a diplomatic way.
a new take-out joint in space? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Good or bad neighbors with the ISS? (Score:5, Funny)
Have you learned nothing from how chinese immigrants behave in other countries? Now the guys up in the ISS finally can have cheap take-out and dry-cleaning!