China launches Wentian, second of three space station modules | Top facts

The uncrewed craft was propelled by a Long March 5B rocket at 2:22 pm (0622 GMT) from the Wenchang launch centre on China's tropical island of Hainan.

Updated on: Jul 24, 2022, 12:32:18 IST

By HT News Desk | Edited by Aniruddha Dhar

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In the latest step in its ambitious space programme, China on Sunday launched the second of three modules needed to complete its new space station, news agency AFP reported citing state media.

A Long March 5B rocket lifting off from Hainan Island, last year, carrying a module for the Tiangong space station.

The uncrewed craft was propelled by a Long March 5B rocket at 2:22 pm (0622 GMT) from the Wenchang launch centre on China's tropical island of Hainan.

Here are the top points on Wentian launch

>Wentian was propelled by a Long March 5B rocket at 0622 GMT from the Wenchang launch centre on China's tropical island of Hainan.

>Beijing launched the central module of its space station Tiangong -- which means "heavenly palace" -- in April 2021.

>Almost 60 feet long and weighing 22 tonnes, the new module has three sleeping areas and space for scientific experiments.

>It will dock with the existing module in space, a challenging operation that experts said will require several high-precision manipulations and the use of a robotic arm.

>Wentian will also serve as a backup platform to control the space station in the event of a failure.

>The final module to complete the space station is scheduled to dock in October, and Tiangong is expected to become fully operational by the end of the year.

>The station will then assume its final T-shape, and be similar in size to the former Russian-Soviet Mir station.

>Its lifespan should be at least 10 years.

>The world's second-largest economy has poured billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a permanently crewed space station and eventually sending humans to the Moon.

(With inputs from AFP)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Home/Science/China Launches Wentian, Second Of Three Space Station Modules | Top Facts