China launches second module from Tiangong space station

The second module of the Tiangong space station has been successfully launched. Wentian is one of the three modules that together form the Tiangong. The T-shaped space station should be commissioned later this year.

The Long March 5B rocket carrying the new component was launched into space from Hainan Island in the South China Sea on Sunday night, reports Reuters. Together with the first module Tianhe and a third module to follow in October, Wentian should form the T-shaped space station Tiangong. When complete, the space station will be about 20 percent the size of the ISS.

Wentian has an airlock cabin that will be used as an exit for spacewalks when the station is completed. It is also mainly a laboratory where Chinese taikonauts can do research. Wentian is also a temporary living space during crew changes. It is designed to accommodate up to three astronauts.