China unveils 198-ton Tiangong expansion to six modules as ISS era ends
China plans a six‑module expansion of its Tiangong space station, boosting total mass to about 198 tons with a multifunctional extension to the Tianhe core, docking interfaces and upgraded propulsion/robotics. The move would widen international participation (Pakistan, Hong Kong, Macau) and position Tiangong as a global orbital laboratory as the ISS retires around 2030.