China launches space station core module Tianhe

China on Apr. 29, 2021 sent into space the core module of its space station, kicking off a series of key launch missions that aim to complete the construction of the station by the end of next year.

The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the Tianhe module, blasted off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan at 11:23 a.m. (Beijing Time).

Tianhe will act as the management and control hub of the space station Tiangong. The station will operate in the low-Earth orbit at an altitude from 340 km to 450 km, able to support six astronauts at most at the same time.It is the largest spacecraft developed by China.

After the five launch missions this year, China plans six missions, including the launch of the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, two cargo spacecraft and two manned spaceships, in 2022 to complete the construction of the space station.

In 1992, China started the manned space program with a three-step strategy.

The first step was to send astronauts into space and return safely.

The second step was to test key technologies needed for a permanent space station, including extra-vehicular activity, orbital docking, and in-orbit propellant refueling.

The third step is to assemble and operate a permanently crewed space station.

It will mark a new high in China's space technology.