China's astronauts aboard the returning Shenzhou-16 capsule captured stunning photos of the fully assembled Tiangong space station before their descent to Earth. The images provide the first complete profile view of the ambitious three-module complex orbiting 340-450km overhead.

Tiangong forms the cornerstone of China's permanent space presence and consists of the Tianhe core module launched in 2021, Wentian experiment module added in 2022 and latest Mengtian cargo module attached this September. At roughly 20% larger than ISS, the 77 ton station will support diverse research spearheaded from the country's burgeoning astronaut corps.

Each sealed compartment serves specialized functions from long-term habitation to cutting-edge microgravity research that further goals of scientific discovery and deep space exploration by Chinese taikonauts. Tianhe contains the main living quarters and command center while Wentian houses an independent laboratory for biological and microgravity experiments. The Mengtian module provides extra storage and supplies to sustain continuous manned missions.

The recent Shenzhou-16 crew witnessed the station's maturation since their June arrival across six productive months assisting with expansion and maintenance. But before trio commander Jing Haipeng, flight engineer Zhu Yangzhu and Ye Guangfu departed homeward on October 30th, they paused to capture Tiangong's striking silhouette against the blackness of space.

The still-growing orbital outpost heralds an era of permanent Chinese habitation in low Earth orbit and beyond. Its continued operation will be augmented by a high-powered space telescope for servicing and uncrewed cargo deliveries. With Tiangong fully established, China strengthens footholds toward the Moon while aiming to equal world spaceflight pioneers through self-sufficiency.