China's manned space program is now pushing ahead with the construction of the space station, striving to complete the on-orbit construction plan around 2022 and prepare for the long-term stable operation of the station, according to CCTV.
On May 5, the maiden flight of the Long March 5 B carrier rocket was successful, laying an important foundation for China's on-orbit construction mission for the space station.
The rocket, carrying a new generation of manned spacecraft test ship and a flexible inflatable cargo return module test module, lifted off at the Wenchang Space Launch Complex.
Hao Chun, director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, said the construction of China's space station in orbit will be completed through 11 missions over a two-year period from next year to the year after.
After that, the missions will be carried out at high density, with astronauts staying in orbit for a long time and conducting larger-scale space science experiments and technology tests, he said.
