The Mengtian, the third and last part of the three-module China Space Station basic structure that docked with ... space station core module's docking ring on the side will happen on Thursday.

China launches Mengtian lab module ... ring on the side, joining the two earlier modules - Tianhe core module and Wentian lab module, to complete the T-shape China Space Station basic structure.

China launched the first module of a planned space ... multiple docking ports. If all goes well, two more modules will be launched next year, docking with the core module to form a T-shaped structure.

Also in the works is building a mega-control center and publicviewing balcony that can support 300 onlookers, he told SPACE.com, tokeep vigil on the firm's multiple modules as they fly around Earth.

Indeed, it's likely that these modules will serve multiple ... reach space. Such expandable modules offer much more usable volume per unit launch mass than do traditional rigid structures.

NASA is planning to investigate making inflatable space ... The structure’s diameter expands but its length does not change. Air pressure of just 1 atmosphere is needed to expand a module.