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Established in 2016, Tianzhou-1 was China's first unmanned cargo spacecraft. It was designed to deliver supplies, fuel, and other payloads to the Tiangong-2 space station, which was China's second prototype space station. Tianzhou-1 demonstrated in-orbit propellant resupply, a crucial capability for sustained long-term space operations. This achievement marked a significant milestone in China's space program, paving the way for the development of a permanent Chinese space station.

The Tianzhou-1 cargo spacecraft was 10.6 meters long, 3.35 meters in diameter, and had a launch mass of 13,500 kilograms. It was launched on a Long March 7 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan on April 20, 2017. After entering orbit, Tianzhou-1 autonomously docked with the Tiangong-2 space station, demonstrating China's mastery of key rendezvous and docking technologies.

During its mission, Tianzhou-1 performed three propellant resupply operations with the Tiangong-2 space station, transferring a total of about 6 tons of propellant. This allowed Tiangong-2 to maintain its orbit and orientation, critical for sustaining its operations. The cargo spacecraft also delivered supplies, spare parts, and research equipment to the space station. After completing its primary mission, Tianzhou-1 undocked from Tiangong-2 and was commanded to deliberately deorbit and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere on July 17, 2017.

The success of the Tianzhou-1 mission was a significant achievement for China's space program. It validated the technologies required for the construction and operation of a large-scale permanent space station, which is a key goal of China's space ambitions. The in-orbit propellant resupply capability demonstrated by Tianzhou-1 will be essential for maintaining and servicing China's future space station, allowing it to remain operational for extended periods.

The development of Tianzhou-1 also showcased China's growing expertise in spacecraft design, systems integration, and launch vehicle capabilities. The cargo spacecraft was designed and built by the China Academy of Space Technology, while the Long March 7 rocket that launched it was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The successful Tianzhou-1 mission highlighted China's commitment to advancing its space exploration and utilization capabilities, bringing it one step closer to achieving its goal of establishing a permanent human presence in space.

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