China has taken a big step forward in its ambitious space program. Today, it launched its newly-developed heavy-lift rocket -- the Long March-5B. Our reporter Ning Hong has more.

China has written another successful chapter in its space exploration pursuits.

The success of the mission marks the beginning of the third step of China's manned space program: building a space station.

HAO CHUN Director, China Manned Space Engineering Office "The success of the mission has laid a solid foundation for China's three-step development strategy for its manned space program. It has strengthened the confidence and determination of people who will be participating in the space industry. According to the plan, the construction of the Chinese space station will be completed in 2022. Chinese people will take more stable steps and go further in exploring the Universe."

From its appearance, the Long March-5B rocket is nearly 54 meters in height, about the size of an 18 story building. It has the biggest boost power in the Long March 5 series, and could deliver no less than 22 tons of payload at a time to low-earth orbits.

LIU BING Deputy Chief Designer, Long March-5B rocket, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology "The Long March-5B rocket will directly enter designated orbit with only a single burst of engines. When the first-stage engine shuts down, about 140 tons of thrust disappear in a matter of seconds, like a high-speed train suddenly braking and stopping steadily at the designated position."

The rocket carried a new generation of manned spacecraft test ships and a test module of flexible inflatable cargo return capsules.

With an inverted cone shape, not only is the 20-ton spaceship bigger and heavier than the original Shenzhou space ship. The elegant design and appearance reflects how advanced it is and reflects the development of China's space engineering over the past decade.

GUO BIN Deputy Chief Designer, New Manned Spaceship Project China Academy of Space Technology "The new spaceship is safer, more reliable, more economical and adaptable to various missions. The innovations we made are the goals we focused on."

The test spaceship has also adopted a new navigation system. It will correct errors of re-entry paths in real-time, and a new thermal isolation material which is lighter but offers better performance, and it is changeable as well. The test spaceship will return to earth on Friday. Ning Hong, CGTN, Beijing.