China launches second module to Tiangong space station

The 23-ton Wentian module was launched aboard China's most powerful rocket, the Long March 5B, at 2:22 p.m. local time from the launch pad in Wenchang, south of Hainan Island, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The space agency said the Wentian module separated from the rocket about 10 minutes after launch. CCTV also reported shortly afterward that the launch was "completely successful."

The Long March 5B rocket carrying the Wentian module was launched from Wenchang, south of Hainan Island on July 24. Photo: Reuters

China began construction of the Tiangong space station in April 2021, starting with the launch of the Tianhe module, the main living area for the crew. This was also the first of 11 missions to complete the Tiangong space station.

The 17.9-meter (59-foot) long Wentian laboratory module will house the astronauts in scientific experiments, along with the Mengtian module, which is expected to be launched soon. The Wentian module will have additional sleeping quarters for the astronauts during rotations, in addition to long-term accommodations for just three astronauts. The space station will have a crew of three, including Shenzhou-14 commander Chen Dong and his crewmates Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe. They are scheduled to return to Earth in December.

The Mengtian module is scheduled to launch in October and, like Wentian, will dock with Tianhe, forming a T-shaped space station that could operate for at least a decade. The completion of the Tiangong space station would be a source of pride for the Chinese people and would also mark the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's leadership of the ruling Communist Party.