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Important to note that the "new" space station is a rehash of an old Russian design. They paid for substantial Russian design and material science expertise.

russli1993 5y ago
I think there is innovation here. For example: the core module uses 4 ion thrusters to maintain the station in orbit. This reduces the amount of propellant and re-supply mission needed. Fuel resupply is major cost to running a space station. https://futurism.com/chinas-new-space-station-powered-ion-thrusters https://futurism.com/chinas-new-space-station-powered-ion-th... The core module's solar panels produces 100kw of power while being a lot smaller than the one on the ISS. Though granted this is because of advancements in tech after the ISS is built. A good engineering design is one that completes the stated goals and balances costs, complexity. The ISS is an amazing feet of engineering. It explored many aspects of the previously unknown areas of permeant presence in space. It is also grand in imagination and design. But for Chinese space agency, they need to keep in mind of their constraints, schedules, resources and capability. For one, ISS could be built the way it is because the US has the space shuttle. The space shuttle propels the modules to its target. But China only have rockets, and each module must navigate and propel themselves to the space station. They will have solar panels, thrusters, control. At that point, by simply dock each modules together you already have a space station. Design a core module. The inner space is astronauts living quarters. The outer shell contains thrusters, electrical, life support and power systems. Put docking ports at the two ends of the cylinder. This is just a straight forward design that works. China's space program's goal for the space station is 1: able to run a long term permeant space presence 2: support research needs in space. So they figured have three astronauts, dock two modules for laboratories, dock 1 cargo ship, 2 manned ship is all they need at this moment. And they can design one core module that does all this. Then all you need is have 3 rockets launches for the heavy modules, a few cargo and manned mission. As all of the docking is automatic, you don't need a lot of human involvement and assembly from outer space. You get a working space station built at a very low effort. This design can be expanded in the future if there is need. They can sent another core module, have it dock at the front port, and now you get another 2 dock ports for modules and space for 3 more astronauts. They are also planning to sent a space telescope. Have it nearby the station. Detach from the station during observation to reduce vibration. Dock with the station for repairs or other tasks.

russli1993 5y ago

I think there is innovation here. For example: the core module uses 4 ion thrusters to maintain the station in orbit. This reduces the amount of propellant and re-supply mission needed. Fuel resupply is major cost to running a space station. https://futurism.com/chinas-new-space-station-powered-ion-thrusters https://futurism.com/chinas-new-space-station-powered-ion-th... The core module's solar panels produces 100kw of power while being a lot smaller than the one on the ISS. Though granted this is because of advancements in tech after the ISS is built. A good engineering design is one that completes the stated goals and balances costs, complexity. The ISS is an amazing feet of engineering. It explored many aspects of the previously unknown areas of permeant presence in space. It is also grand in imagination and design. But for Chinese space agency, they need to keep in mind of their constraints, schedules, resources and capability. For one, ISS could be built the way it is because the US has the space shuttle. The space shuttle propels the modules to its target. But China only have rockets, and each module must navigate and propel themselves to the space station. They will have solar panels, thrusters, control. At that point, by simply dock each modules together you already have a space station. Design a core module. The inner space is astronauts living quarters. The outer shell contains thrusters, electrical, life support and power systems. Put docking ports at the two ends of the cylinder. This is just a straight forward design that works. China's space program's goal for the space station is 1: able to run a long term permeant space presence 2: support research needs in space. So they figured have three astronauts, dock two modules for laboratories, dock 1 cargo ship, 2 manned ship is all they need at this moment. And they can design one core module that does all this. Then all you need is have 3 rockets launches for the heavy modules, a few cargo and manned mission. As all of the docking is automatic, you don't need a lot of human involvement and assembly from outer space. You get a working space station built at a very low effort. This design can be expanded in the future if there is need. They can sent another core module, have it dock at the front port, and now you get another 2 dock ports for modules and space for 3 more astronauts. They are also planning to sent a space telescope. Have it nearby the station. Detach from the station during observation to reduce vibration. Dock with the station for repairs or other tasks.