China, Tiangong and the Geopolitical Dimension
What happens if Tiangong is the only permanently crewed station after 2030?
Chapter summary
China’s Tiangong has been permanently crewed since 2022, will host its first foreign astronaut in 2026 and plans to grow to six modules. Russia and India plan stations of their own.
Key takeaways
- 1
Tiangong is the only station certain to be operating in 2031.
- 2
China announced in June 2026 an expansion to a cross-shaped, six-module station of about 180 tonnes.
- 3
Russia plans its first ROS module for December 2027; India’s first BAS module is targeted for December 2028.
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