Tiangong-1: 16 years research gains over 20 patents

2011/10/09

Using a Long March 2F/G(T1) launch vehicle, China launched the unmanned space module Tiangong-1 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on September 29. 
 
Docking technology is critical to manned space program. Tiangong-1 experienced 16 years research and now has been granted with over 20 patents, reported from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST).

SAST undertook a variety of research missions for Tiangong-1, including power subsystem, docking mechanism subsystem and monitoring and control subsystem, etc.

China is the second country developing docking mechanism, following Russia.

Source:IPR in China