While the world watches the ISS, China’s Tiangong quietly executes a bold new vision in space. Since 2021, it's hosted a series of cutting-edge experiments reflecting distinct national priorities.

Mengtian was the final of three modules launched to complete the T-shaped Tiangong space station late last year. China is, however, considering expanding the orbital outpost with further modules.

The China National Space Administration launched the first module of its Tiangong space station in 2021, and finished it with its third module the following year. The space station is about one ...