Science

Three Words: Chinese. Space. Station.

Playing Catch-Up

China just put another small space station into orbit—and by the 2020s they may replace the International Space Station. But private companies are the future of space exploration.

articles/2016/09/19/three-words-chinese-space-station/160918-Axe-Chinese-Space-Station-tease_jfvjk1
Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast

China has just launched its second small Tiangong space station into orbit, more or less catching up to what the United States’ and Russia’s own space programs achieved starting in the 1970s.

Riding atop a Long March rocket, the 34-foot-long, 10-ton Tiangong-2

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article. 

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.