Space

Automated spacecraft docks with China’s new space station

Tianzhou-2 is carrying fuel and supplies for its future crew, Chinese space agency says

A Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-2 spacecraft lifts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China’s Hainan Province on May 29th, 2021. Photographg: Chinatopix via AP

Sun May 30 2021 - 06:38

An automated spacecraft docked with China’s new space station on Sunday carrying fuel and supplies for its future crew, the Chinese space agency announced.

Tianzhou-2 spacecraft reached the Tianhe station eight hours after blasting off from Hainan, an island in the South China Sea, China Manned Space said.

It carried space suits, living supplies and equipment and fuel for the station.

Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, is the third and largest orbital station launched by China’s increasingly ambition space program.

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The station’s core module was launched on April 29th. The space agency plans 11 launches through to the end of next year to deliver two more modules for the 70-ton station, plus supplies and a three-member crew.

China was criticised for allowing part of the rocket that launched the Tianhe to fall back to Earth uncontrolled. There was no indication about what would happen to the rocket from Saturday’s launch.

Beijing does not participate in the International Space Station, largely due to US objections.

Washington is wary of the Chinese programme’s secrecy and its military connections. – PA

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