China Plans Major Expansion Of Tiangong Space Station

China is moving ahead with plans to significantly expand the Tiangong space station, potentially doubling its size as the International Space Station approaches retirement, reported by CCTV.

The ISS, led by NASA, is expected to be decommissioned by 2031, with a controlled re-entry planned using a vehicle developed by SpaceX.

According to CCTV, China will first add a fourth module to Tiangong, transforming its current T-shape into a cross structure.

Orbiting some 400 kilometers above the Earth, China's Tiangong space station captures the planet's stunning beauty through its cameras. pic.twitter.com/TOPSA0idXP

— China Science (@ChinaScience) April 30, 2026

The report said future additions could expand it into a six-module station weighing about 180 tonnes, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Since its completion in 2022, Tiangong has hosted over 260 experiments and multiple astronaut missions.

The report noted rising international demand, including cooperation with the United Nations, is driving expansion. Upgrades to rockets and robotic systems are also underway to support future missions and increased capacity.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff