China Space Station to Undergo Second Expansion, Transforming from T-Shaped to Cross-Shaped Configuration
Summary: April 29, 2026 marks the 5th anniversary of the Tianhe core module's orbital insertion. As the space station's mission portfolio expands with 267 scientific experiments deployed on-orbit, China plans a "second expansion" — adding a larger expansion module at the front docking port of the core module, transforming the station from a T-shaped to a cross-shaped configuration. The new module will provide additional docking ports, more EVA airlocks, and interfaces for future experiment modules.
Credit: IT Home (mydrivers.com)
From T to Cross: Second Expansion Details
China's space station currently consists of the Tianhe core module, Wentian lab module, and Mengtian lab module in a stable T-shaped configuration, operating reliably for five years. As the station's missions continue to expand with an increasing number of scientific research projects, the current configuration faces space constraints.
According to relevant experts, the second expansion plan will add a new expansion module at the forward docking port of the Tianhe core module, upgrading the configuration from T-shaped to cross-shaped (十). The new module will be larger than the Tianhe core module and provide:
- Additional docking ports: supporting more cargo and crew spacecraft simultaneously
- Additional EVA airlock: meeting frequent extravehicular activity needs
- Future experiment module interface: preparing for future new lab module attachment
Long March 5B Simultaneously Upgraded
To support the station's expansion, the Long March 5B launch vehicle will also be upgraded. The team will develop a larger-diameter fairing and add an additional stage to the existing core stage to accommodate the launch of larger future modules.
Diversifying Crew Composition Accelerating
Beyond hardware expansion, the station's crew composition is also becoming more diverse:
- Hong Kong and Macau astronauts: expected to carry out station missions as early as this year
- Pakistani astronaut: one Pakistani astronaut will serve as a payload specialist on a short-duration flight
- UNOOSA cooperation projects: continuously advancing
Survey Space Telescope Arriving Soon
Another key driver of the station's expansion is the upcoming China Survey Space Telescope. An important component of China's space station engineering program, it will form a coordinated observation capability with the space station, providing a powerful platform for Chinese astronomical research.