Heavenly Dragon
The "Heavenly Dragon" is a spacecraft developed and operated by the Republic of Tiejungo to support is maned spacecraft program.
Design
The "Heavenly Dragon" consists of three modules: a foward orbital module, a reentry module module in the middle and an aft service module. The divison is based on minimizing the amount of material to be returned to Earth. Anything placed in the orbital or service modules does not require heat shielding, and this increases the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand reentry.
Orbital Module
The orbital module contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or operated equipment, and in-orbit habitation. It equipped with its own propulsion, solar power, and control systems, allowing autonomous[clarification needed] flight. It was possible for the spacecraft to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking with a later spacecraft
Reentry Module
The reentry module is located in the middle section of the spacecraft and contains seating for the crew. It is the only portion of the spaceraft which returns to the surface. Its shape is a compromise between maximizing living space while allowing for some aerodynamic control upon reentry.
Service Module
The aft service module contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of the spacecraft. Two pairs of solar panels, one pair on the service module, the other pair on the orbital module, have a total area of over 40 m² (430 ft²), indicating average electrical power over 1.5 kW.
Specification
Complete Spacecraft Data
- Total Mass: 7,840 kg
- Length: 9.25 m
- Diameter: 2.80 m
- Span: 17.00 m
