China launched the first module of its “Heavenly Palace” space station on Thursday, a milestone in Beijing’s ambitious plan to determine a permanent human presence in house.
Billions of {dollars} have been poured into space exploration as China seeks to reflect its rising global stature and rising technological may, following in the footsteps of America, Russia and Europe.
The Tianhe core module, which houses life help tools and a dwelling house for astronauts, was launched from Wenchang in China’s tropical Hainan province on a Long-March 5B rocket on Thursday, state tv confirmed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping referred to as the space station a key step in “constructing an amazing nation of science and technology” in a congratulatory message on Thursday.
The Tiangong space station, whose identify means “Heavenly Palace”, is predicted to be operational by 2022 after around 11 missions to deliver extra modules and assemble them in orbit.
Live footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed space programme employees cheering because the rocket powered its way by the atmosphere billowing flames from the launch site.
