China’s working on a spacecraft so massive, it spans miles in length and it’s no small undertaking. This “Ultra-Large” ship is expected to cost millions of dollars and it’s set to revolutionize the way we travel across space.
The scale of this project is mind-boggling, and the implications for the space industry are immense. But what exactly is this ship, and how will it work?
China’s Plans for Large-scale Spacecraft
China is planning bold steps for its space program in the coming decade. One of the proposals under consideration for the country’s new five-year plan involves creating an “ultra-large spacecraft” that could span several miles long.
Placing this spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) would allow for long-duration missions and the use of space resources. This proposal is part of a series of ambitious space projects, coming after China achieved major milestones, such as becoming the second country to land a rover on Mars and the first to land a mission with an orbiter, lander, and rover.
China also became the first nation to land a robotic mission on the far side of the moon in 2019.
The project is one of 10 submitted by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, a basic research funding agency managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Each project received $2.3 million in funding for further development. (ref)
A key goal is to determine how to keep the spacecraft’s mass low while ensuring it remains structurally strong enough to launch into orbit.
Challenges & Ambitions for China’s Spacecraft Project
The Chinese foundation’s project outline, shared by the South China Daily Mail (SCDM), reveals that the spacecraft will be assembled in space. Its components will be built on Earth and launched separately into orbit to be put together.
The same outline indicates that this spacecraft will be “a major strategic aerospace equipment for the future use of space resources, exploration of the mysteries of the universe, and staying in long-term orbit.” (ref)
The space station is expected to weigh around 100 tons and be about a quarter of the size of the International Space Station (ISS) when finished. However, despite its potential, experts warn that engineers will face challenges, such as building a skilled workforce and securing the resources needed for construction.
Pang Zhihao, a Beijing-based space expert, explained to Global Times that the ISS was built in orbit due to launch vehicle limitations. Its parts were delivered in separate spaceflights over many years.
It took 12 years, from 1998 to 2010, to complete the ISS, and by the time it was finished, the first module was almost at the end of its lifespan. Pang speculates that building the 0.62-mile-long spacecraft will take even longer and require stronger, more flexible components to ensure longevity and easy replacements. (ref)
The project’s complexity goes beyond technical challenges, also involving careful planning and management. Space debris, which is difficult to avoid for such a large spacecraft, is another concern.
The project is also connected to another ambitious plan—building a space power plant, a major project China is considering in 2028. (ref)
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
