Tianhe is not as good as the International Space Station? The breakthrough of this key technology doubles the power generation

On April 29, the Long March 5B carrying Tianhe core module successfully lifted off from Wenchang, Hainan, opening the prelude to the construction of a new generation of large-scale space stations in China. Compared with the previous Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2, our new-generation space station this time is not only large in size, many cabins, and complete with equipment, but also has a long time in orbit. It is initially expected that it can serve for more than 10 years. As for how long it can exceed 10 years, it depends on our maintenance level. According to China Aerospace's past redundancy tradition, it is not uncommon to estimate that the service time has doubled several times.

This is my country's third space station, not the first

It is worth mentioning that the construction speed of our new generation of space station this time is very fast. From the lift-off of the Tianhe core module to the subsequent flight of the Wentian, Mengtian, and Skyscanning modules, it will take only more than a year before and after, and it is expected to be in 2022. In 2018, the on-orbit construction was completed. Compared with the long construction process of the International Space Station for more than ten years, it is really as fast as lightning, and this is also due to the success of the Long March 5 system carrier rocket. In addition, the launch on April 29, together with the American Falcon 9, set the record for the shortest interval between two launches of the world's heavy rocket family.

Don't ask too much, the speed is fast

However, there are also opinions that, from the outside, our new generation of space station seems to be inferior to the International Space Station, especially the space station has third-generation technologies such as huge solar panels and truss structures, while ours looks more traditional, It seems to be a replica of the Soviet "Mir" space station, which is slightly less imposing. To be honest, a lot of people feel that way, but in reality, that's not the case.

The International Space Station on the left, ours on the right

In terms of size, the International Space Station is indeed relatively large. Many countries have "relocated ants" for so many years and transported many cabins, but the diameter of these cabins is not as good as our new generation of space stations. Moreover, many modules of the International Space Station are repeatedly constructed. For example, in order to dock the Russian module, several optical node modules have been constructed. The function of each compartment is also relatively simple. For example, for the astronauts to leave the cabin, the United States has also built a special air pressure chamber, while our Tianhe combines the node cabin and the air pressure chamber into one, and the interfaces are also unified. , no transfer is required.

The International Space Station is too big

In this regard, just like the 055 destroyer, our 055 is a device that integrates multiple functions, such as the training system and the combat system are combined into one, the fire control system and the sea-to-air search system are combined into one, This ensures that its displacement is controlled at about 12,800 tons. According to the traditional thinking of the United States and Russia, the 055's displacement of 20,000 tons will not be able to hold, and it will pose a great test to the power system, which may only be solved by nuclear power.

Sometimes, bigger is not always better

Another important reason why the International Space Station looks big is that it has giant solar panels and metal trusses. If you cancel these structures, you will find that its cabin volume is not much larger than ours. It's like fluffy birds and pet cats and dogs that just take a bath to reveal themselves.

After washing, it might look like this

And our space station, due to the adoption of a new generation of thin-film solar panel technology, the efficiency of converting light energy into electrical energy has increased from more than 15% of the International Space Station to more than 30%, which allows us to only pass Tianhe, ask the sky, and dream. The solar panels in the Tiansan cabin can obtain 80% of the electricity equivalent to the International Space Station. If you add Shenzhou, Tianzhou and a new generation of manned spacecraft, our total power generation is comparable to that of the International Space Station.

Our space station solar panels are more advanced

In addition, due to the low power generation efficiency of the International Space Station, a large amount of light energy is converted into heat energy, so like the previous generation of space such as Mir, special heat sinks need to be installed. They look a lot like solar panels, resulting in a more "fried" and "fluffy" appearance, and our next-generation space station doesn't need a dedicated heat sink for corrugation.

The wave shape is the heat sink

All of this is not because we are boasting and fighting chicken blood, but thanks to the advancement of science and technology, we have a late-mover advantage after all compared to the International Space Station. What’s more worth mentioning is that after Tianhe, Wentian, Mengtian, and Sky Survey are all deployed in place, it is only the first phase of the new generation of space stations. We also have a second-phase expansion function. The ground backup module was also launched, and even an Italian module was included. By then, the "applicable area" of our space station will exceed that of the International Space Station. According to the construction speed of the first phase of the project, the "off-plan" of the second phase will also be completed within a few years.

There is still a second phase of our space station

In addition, the current competition between China and the United States in the space station has expanded from low-Earth orbit to lunar orbit, and even a lunar surface station. The United States plans to return to the moon and build a lunar space station in 2024, but at its current speed, it may be as scheduled. Done, maybe we can get a head start when the time comes. Therefore, when enjoying the joy of Tianhe's successful launch, some people should not underestimate themselves. As long as we are self-improving and down-to-earth, the moon in China may be a little more round than in foreign countries.

Our journey is the sea of ​​stars, not empty words