The ISS vs China's Tiangong: Which is better?

In April of 2021, China’s Tiangong space station joined the International Space Station (ISS) in low orbit and is now waiting for the rest of its modules scheduled to join it in the coming years.

The question then becomes how do these two space stations compare? What are the technical differences between the two of them? How much does each one cost? Why is Tiangong important for China? What will happen when the ISS dies?

On the surface, the two stations may seem quite similar with the main difference being that Tiangong is much smaller.

Even after all of its planned modules are fully deployed, the Tiangong will only possess a fifth of the mass of the ISS.

However, despite its small size, the Tiangong is slated to be able to house 12 astronauts whereas the ISS can only host a maximum of 13 despite its massive size. One could argue that Tiangong is extremely space-efficient.

But that’s not the only difference between the two stations. The stations differ in terms of modules, generations, docking systems, structures, robotic arms and airlocks, experiments, and even purposes. But perhaps the most profound differences lie in the circumstances behind their respective programs.

In this video, we examine all these aspects in great detail and answer all the questions surrounding them.

If you’ve ever been curious about the ISS or Tiangong, then this is a video not to be missed since we bring you the full history behind the two stations and many more enticing facts while examining their differences.

#engineering

[philip]

Hang on. In my memory, ISS was originally built by Russia and then owned by multiple countries on an agreement. When was it owned by us independently ? Am I wrong ?

[gempass]

History's greatest "Fine I'll do it myself'

[imjustbeinghonest]

Actually without Frank Wolf amendment, China would need to slaved under the US with a small role in ISS. All thanks to the US, China has finally mastered space exploration. Next stop, semiconductor especially the 3rd generation.

[jwzjwzcn]

It's actually quite inspiring for not giving up after being banned from ISS by the US.

[abdishakur]

Whatever that doesnt kill you will make you strongee

[davosam]

why this channel put only American flag on iss

[Flyingaceful]

Lol! US didn’t build the ISS along! We had to depend on other countries.

[paulbyable]

China say you not invited me to the party. China say we will start our own party

[a.shikatoswu]

The difference is US has combined ISS where as China has it's own without any other countries support.

[yll]

Russian：Wait, Americans, you built the ISS?
China: hold my beer

[sunxc]

When did the international space station become American?

[dailm]

It’s very unfair for you to compare like this
First of all, the International Space Station is not owned by the United States. It is jointly constructed by 13 countries, most of which are provided by Russia.
The Tiangong Space Station is only China’s own copyright, and all operating systems are in Chinese.
And your picture is only for the first phase of Tiangong's construction scale. Two experimental cabins and a permanent spaceship orbital cabin will be added next year, and the volume will be twice the current size.

[zeroCostravel]

Why ISS only got US flag??? China's is fully own by china.

[chinahamyku]

Look at the young faces in the China Launch Hall, and you should know who the future of this world belongs to.

[puzhao]

TIANGONG is not exclusive, it just kicked the US out.

[lylelai]

The International Space Station has 119 components. Russia has launched 76 times, 73 successes and 3 failures~! The United States launched 31 times, 29 successes, and 2 failures~! Europe launched 5 times and 5 successes, ~! Japan launched 7 times and 7 successes~!! This is also called the U.S. Domination. It is obviously a Russian space station.

[luminous_Hits]

USA:if you can't beat them, join them
China🇨🇳:if you can't join them, beat them 💔😂😂😂😂

[lujiagao]

Thanks to the newer technology, the Tiangong has better solar cells, much more efficient orbit-adjusting motors and better usable space. Although the space race can be a better incentive for innovation, but when we can shed our petty differences as a single species. Fine, let’s the space race #2 begin.

[zhaoqiaoqiao]

Is the International Space Station owned by your American family? Shameless

[timothy]

pretty nice short video on the history of space stations. the chinese spacestation didn't come from nowhere and sudden emerges, it is from multi decades of careful planning and hardwork. the irony of US government banning any cooperation between NASA and China in space but itself partnering even with Russia is a clear sign that the USA wanted to deny the Chinese technology and naively thought that this would help keep China outside of the club. But, in 1 year time, China would be the only country operating its own complete space station, and in 2 to 3 years times the CSS would be the only space station in orbit should the ISS retires. however, unlike the US government, China has been more opened to cooperation. European astronauts have been training with the Chinese in China to prepare for one day, that they would be part of a mission to stay in the CSS. France, Germany and Italy see China more as a partner than competitor, meanwhile, USA, Canada, the UK and Australia see China as a hostile force and continue to actively engage in conflict with China, as we see from the recent nuclear sub incident. cooperation and competition is good, but conflict is bad, as we saw in vietnam, in iraq, and now in afganistan. and as China become more and more powerful and you cant stop it, more and more people and country around the world will see the value of cooperating with China and how China is different from the United States.