China launches second module of Tiangong ruimte 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 is to be commissioned later this year.

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

Wentian features a cabin with airlock that is intended as an exit for spacewalks when the station is complete. 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.