China breidt ruimtestation Tiangong uit naar zes modules

China plans to expand its Tiangong space station from its current T-shaped structure to a six-module cross-shaped configuration, increasing its total mass to approximately 198 tons. The expansion includes a new multifunctional module with docking interfaces and an airlock for spacewalks, designed to enhance orbital research capacity and international partnerships. This development comes as the International Space Station approaches retirement in 2030, potentially positioning Tiangong as the primary orbital laboratory for global space research.