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China on Sunday launched the second of three modules needed to complete its new space station, state media reported, the latest step in Beijing's ambitious space programme.
The solar space station aims at converting solar energy into electricity and microwaves. The energy can be used to power the moving satellites in orbit.
According to reports, China intends to return Mars samples to Earth in 2031, two years ahead of NASA and European Space Agency's joint project. China's Tianwen-1 had started sending pictures of Mars in February last year. The rover had begun exploring the red planet in May 2021. Sun Zezhou who is the chief designer of Tianwen-1, reportedly presented China's ambitious plan during a presentation.
Source says crew of three will blast off from the Gobi Desert on Sunday and will include Liu Yang, who was the first Chinese woman in space.
The cargo vessel is carrying supplies for the next crew’s six-month stay, along with research equipment and spare parts for maintaining the station.