Will China Gain A Monopoly On Space Stations?

China Manned Space Engineering Office

Space.com: China could gain a monopoly on space stations. Here's what to expect.

China launched Tianhe-1, the first and main module of a permanent orbiting space station called Tiangong (Heavenly Palace 天宫), on April 29. Two additional science modules (Wentian and Mengtian) will follow in 2022 in a series of missions that will complete the station and allow it to start operations.

While the station is not China's first — the country has already launched two — the modular design is new. It replicates the International Space Station (ISS), from which China was excluded.

There are many reasons for China to invest in this costly and technologically challenging project. One is to conduct scientific research and make medical, environmental and technological discoveries. But there are also other possible motivations, such as commercial gains and prestige.

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WNU Editor: There is too much money to make in space. And then there are the national security considerations. Bottom line. China is not going to be the only player in space.