"Dream module", also known as Tianhe core module, is the key component of the space station core module in the second phase of China's space station project. Its internal space will be used to provide a working and living environment for equipment installation and assembly, scientific experiments and space technology experiments in the space station. The first phase of China Space Station Project plans to launch Tiangong-2 and Tiangong-3 between 2020 and 2022. At that time, Tiangong-2 will undertake the key technical verification of the second phase of manned spaceflight project and deliver the task to the space station.
The "dream module" consists of two parts: one part is the living space in the astronaut module, and the other part is the orbital module, which can be docked freely. The design concept and scheme of "Meng Tian Space Capsule" is the same as that of the core area, and it is also designed according to the requirements of astronauts' extravehicular activities, and the components with high requirements for structural strength and reliability are fully considered. Made of steel, with a diameter of 2.6m, a height of 2.2m and a maximum diameter of1.2m; Equipped with two solar panels of about 1.5 tons, solar energy can be used to the maximum extent.
At present, the "Dream Space Module" is independently developed by China. After the launch of Tiangong-2 and Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, they will dock with the core module of the space station and enter the combined operation stage, providing astronauts with extra-vehicular space to complete on-orbit maintenance and scientific experiments. In the future, this combination will also become an important part of China's space station construction project, injecting new vitality into China's space exploration. Technically, the main task of "Dream Space Module" is to provide support services for the construction and operation of China Space Station, and to provide China astronauts with extra-vehicular space and other necessary equipment.
The Meng Tian module adopts a combination of three modules, namely the core module-Tianzhou cargo ship-Tiangong-2 (referred to as "Tianzhou"), which consists of two parts: one is Tianzhou-2 cargo ship, which can carry two astronauts in orbit for more than three months; The other is the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, which can carry two astronauts in orbit for more than six months. The core cabin of China Space Station consists of cargo spacecraft and Tianzhou cargo spacecraft.