In just under two years, China  has achieved impressive advancements in the development of its space station, Tiangong, by successfully integrating three modules. Although smaller than the International Space Station (ISS), which took more than ten years to finish, this orbital habitat can house up to three astronauts.

China has intentions to enlarge the station with three more modules, potentially serving as a crucial replacement for the aging ISS, which is expected to cease operations by the close of the decade, as reported by Reuters.

Although Tiangong is set to expand, it will still only be approximately 40 percent of the total mass of the ISS. However, the presence of a growing space station dedicated to scientific research in orbit signifies a significant advancement in the field of space exploration .

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) has recently declared that the operational duration of Tiangong has been prolonged to 15 years, surpassing the initial projection of 10 years. If everything goes according to plan, Tiangong is likely to remain in operation for several years longer than the ISS.

It is important to highlight that the current US law prevents NASA astronauts from visiting the recently established Chinese space station, thereby prohibiting any form of collaboration between NASA and China. On the other hand, China has shown its willingness to collaborate with international astronauts in their endeavors on its space station.

At the same time, NASA is actively promoting the growth of the private space industry in the United States with a focus on fostering the development of private space stations. At present, although Axiom Space and other firms have made advancements in constructing sections of this living environment, there is currently no definitive strategy to deploy these modules in space.

Besides the advancements in China, last year Russia revealed its plans to build its own space station capable of accommodating four cosmonauts. However, considering Russia's recent setbacks in space missions, the reliability of this plan is still uncertain.

As the ISS approaches its retirement, significant transformations await our ongoing presence in Earth's orbit. China's advancements in space exploration are propelling it to a significant position on the global stage as it continues to make remarkable progress in exploring the solar system .

The Chinese self-constructed space station, called Tiangong or Celestial Palace, has been functioning at full capacity since late 2022, accommodating a maximum of three astronauts while orbiting at an altitude of 450 km (280 miles).

Even with the addition of six modules, Tiangong's weight remains at only 180 metric tons, making it just 40% of the mass of the ISS, which has the capacity to accommodate a crew of seven astronauts. However, the International Space Station (ISS), which has been in orbit for over twenty years, is anticipated to be retired by 2030, coinciding with China's ambitions to establish itself as a significant presence in outer space.

According to Chinese state media, China has emphasized that it will not be passive or inactive as the ISS approaches the end of its mission. They also stated that multiple countries have expressed interest in sending their astronauts to the Chinese space station.

However, China's hopes for space diplomacy suffered a setback when the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that it did not have the necessary financial resources or support to be part of the Tiangong program. This decision put an end to the long-standing plan of sending European astronauts to visit the Chinese space station.

At the time, the Global Times, a Chinese tabloid with nationalist leanings, expressed that discontinuing cooperation with China in manned space activities is a narrow-minded move, indicative of a new space race due to the confrontational stance led by the US-led camp.

Tiangong has emerged as a symbol of China's increasing power and self-assurance in its space ventures, presenting itself as a competitor to the United States in the area following its separation from the ISS. The United States has prohibited it. Law prohibits any form of involvement, either direct or indirect, with NASA.

Russia, as an active member of the International Space Station (ISS), proposes a distinctive approach to space diplomacy by proposing that its BRICS partners (Brazil, India, China, and South Africa) collaborate in constructing a module for its own space station.

Last year, Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, announced its intention to construct a space station consisting of six modules capable of housing up to four cosmonauts.

China has announced that it is welcoming international astronauts to use its airlocks.

In the meantime, NASA  is actively promoting the development of privately-owned space stations within the United States. Although Axiom Space and other companies have made progress in designing parts for such a habitat, there are currently no definite proposals for launching those modules into space.

Last year, Russia revealed its intentions to build its own space station, accommodating a crew of four cosmonauts. However, given Russia's recent performance in space missions, the reliability of this plan seems uncertain at best.

As the International Space Station's role diminishes, there will be a noticeable transformation in our lasting presence in Earth's orbit. China's impressive advancements in the exploration of our solar system have positioned it as the leading global power to observe.

He continues to implement his strategy.