Story perspectives

China Expands Tiangong, Sets Spacewalk Record as ISS Retirement Planned

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

China will attach a multifunctional module to Tiangong, creating a cross-shaped layout that enables a six-module, 180-tonne station.
The Tiangong module will launch on an upgraded Long March 5B rocket with a larger payload fairing.
NASA will retire the International Space Station in early 2031 via a SpaceX deorbit vehicle for a controlled South Pacific re-entry.
Tiangong astronauts completed a 9-hour, 6-minute spacewalk, beating NASA’s 8-hour, 56-minute record.

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Story summary

China will attach a multifunctional module to Tiangong, creating a cross-shaped layout that enables a six-module, 180-tonne station.
The Tiangong module will launch on an upgraded Long March 5B rocket with a larger payload fairing.
NASA will retire the International Space Station in early 2031 via a SpaceX deorbit vehicle for a controlled South Pacific re-entry.
Tiangong astronauts completed a 9-hour, 6-minute spacewalk, beating NASA’s 8-hour, 56-minute record.