Tianzhou
Autonomous cargo spacecraft used to resupply the Chinese Space Station.
- Height: 9 m
- Diameter: 3.35 m
- Human Rated: No
- Maiden Flight: 4/20/2017
- Payload Capacity: 6700 kg
- Flight Life: 180 days in orbit
- Spacecraft Flown: 9
- Total Launches: 9
- Successful Launches: 9
History
The Tianzhou is a Chinese automated cargo spacecraft that was first launched on April 20, 2017 to resupply Tiangong-1. It demonstrated autonomous propellant transfer in orbit.
Agency
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
