Space
12:00, 13-Sep-2017
China's first cargo spacecraft completes fast-docking with Tiangong-2 space lab
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China's first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou-1, has completed an automated fast-docking maneuver with the Tiangong-2 space lab, multiple Chinese media outlets have reported.
As a key part of the country's manned space program, Tianzhou-1’s experiment is expected to test the fast-docking capability of the cargo spacecraft, which is expected to lay the foundations for China’s plans to construct a permanent space laboratory.
The spacecraft took around six and a half hours to complete the fast-docking process.
It marks the third such test between the two spacecraft using fast-docking technology. Previously, the process took around two days to complete.
Space Flight Insider Photo
Space Flight Insider Photo
Launched on April 20 from southern Hainan Province, Tianzhou-1 completed its first and second docking tests with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab on April 22 and June 19.
It is tasked to demonstrate the propellant transfer for the space station and complete in-orbit refueling tests with Tiangong-2.
Blast off for Tianzhou-1 /ChinaDaily Photo
Blast off for Tianzhou-1 /ChinaDaily Photo
It makes China the third country in the world to master in-orbit refueling technology after Russia and the US.
After conducting the third refueling test with the space lab, the cargo spacecraft is due to return to Earth, the National Space Administration said.