Three astronauts arrived at China's Tiangong space station to assist with the nation's longest-running space mission.
According to Space.com, the Shenzhou 13 mission will include astronauts Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping. After being launched into orbit by the Jiuquan Satellite Launching Center, in the Gobi Desert, the trio arrived at Tiangong Saturday.
Their mission involves spacewalks and equipment testing. But the most striking aspect of their mission is the space station.
The orbital laboratory boasts a variety of tools and designs that are unique to it, and is expected to retire in the next decade. Tiangong has spacious bunks for astronauts. It also features a space gym, separate living areas for crew members, and a minimalist white interior design. This makes it look more like an Apple store rather than a cramped space habitat.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Chinese astronaut Tang Honbo rests in his sleeping quarters. Image credit: CCTG
Chinese astronauts work out while in orbit. Image credit: CGTN
Image credit: CGTN
Compare that to the ISS which appears downright obsolete.
The ISS was originally designed to last for 30 years, with its first module being launched in 1998. This means that the spacecraft's death date is only seven years away.
The ISS' sleeping quarters are about the same size as a telephone booth. This is a far cry from Tiangongs beds. It is so small that astronauts sometimes have to sleep together wherever they go, Scott Kelly, a NASA astronaut, told Travel & Leisure earlier in the year.
NASA Image Credit
The ISSs, shall we say, cluttered interior design is another factor. It is cluttered with wires, computers and other hardware that takes up a lot of space.
Advertisement
Advertisement
NASA Image Credit
NASA Image Credit
It is enough to make you question whether it is a danger to anyone onboard. There have been many emergencies in recent times, so an astronaut may have to navigate a confusing array of wires and tools to fix them.
We love the ISS because of all it has given us and because it was a place that astronauts could call home for many decades. However, times have changed and it is no longer the most desirable spot in orbit.
READ MORE: China's longest ever mission to the space station module is launched by Shenzhou 13 astronauts [Space.com]
Tiangong: China Sends the First Woman Astronaut To Its New Space Station
Advertisement
Advertisement
Do you care about clean energy adoption? Learn how much money and planet you could save by switching to solar power at UnderstandSolar.com. UnderstandSolar.com can show you how much money and planet you could save by switching over to solar power. Futurism.com might earn a small commission if you sign up via this link.
