China launches one of 2 lab modules to join space station

BEIJING

China launched one of its two laboratory modules in order to complete its permanent orbiting satellite station.

The launch of the Wentian took place from Hainan Island, a tropical island. There was a large audience of amateur space photographers and space enthusiasts.

The module is designed to perform science and biology experiments. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, it flew for approximately eight minutes on the Long March 5B distant 3 rocket before reaching orbit.

The Mengtian is a second module for labs, which will be launched in October. Both modules will then join the Tiangong space station. Three astronauts, who are currently residing in the core module of the lab, will oversee the arrival and docking.