China launches spacecraft loaded with equipment for the future space station
China launched a cargo ship carrying supplies for the future space station on Saturday, state media said, after technical delays.
China News Agency reported that a 14-ton Long March 7 missile carrying food, equipment and fuel took off from the launch site in Wenchang on the southern tropical island of Hainan.
The agency said, citing the China Space Agency (CMSA), that the cargo ship successfully detached from the thrust and entered orbit and deployed its solar panels.
The space station called “Tiangong” (“Heavenly Palace”) will need about ten launches to complete its assembly into orbit. It should be fully operational in 2022.
After the possible withdrawal from the International Space Station (ISS) after 2028, Tiangong could become the only human outpost in Earth’s orbit.
“We will transport the necessary support materials, spare parts and equipment first, then our staff,” CMSA director Hao Chun was quoted by the China New newspaper as saying.
