On May 29, 2021, China Launched cargo spacecraft, “Tianzhou-2” or “Heavenly Vessel” through Long March-7 Y3 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on the southern island of Hainan.
The spacecraft “Tianzhou-2” successfully docked with the Tiangong space station.
Key Points:
i.The spacecraft is carrying supplies, equipment and propellant, docked with the space station’s key module Tianhe.
ii.This launch is the part of the construction of the Tiangong space station.
About Tianzhou-2:
i.Tianzhou-2 is the second of 11 missions needed to complete China’s first self-developed space station around 2022.
ii.Background- The first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 was sent to refuel a space lab, Tiangong-2 three times in 2017.
iii.Future Enhancement – China will launch two other core modules, ‘Wentian’ and ‘Mengtian’ using the Long March 5B.
Reason for Launching Tiangong Space Station:
United States (US) had banned China to participate in the International Space Station (ISS), China is building the Tiangong Space Station.
About China:
Capital – Beijing
President – Xi Jinping
