China launched a 23-tonne research lab module to its newly built space station Tiangong on Sunday 24 July. The lab Wentian, or "Quest for the Heavens", is expected to carry out biological and life science research.
This is China's latest step to become a leading space power.
What is the Tiangong space station?
Tiangong space station, or "Heavenly Palace", is China's new permanent space station.
The country has previously launched two temporary trial space stations, named as Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2.
The new lab Wentian is the second of three key modules to Tiangong.
The new lab Wentian is the second of three key modules to Tiangong.
The first key module Tianhe - which contains living quarters for crew members - was sent into orbit in April 2021.
The other key module, Mengtian science lab, is due to be launched by the end of 2022. READ MORE...
