China Launches Cargo Craft Carrying Space Station Supplies

Tianzhou-2: The Chinese cargo craft successfully separated from the rocket, went into orbit and deployed its solar panels, the agency said, citing the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

China on Saturday launched a cargo spacecraft carrying supplies for its new space station, after delays due to technical reasons, state media said. A 14-tonne Long March 7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-2 -- loaded with essentials such as food, equipment and fuel -- blasted off from the Wenchang launch site on the tropical southern island of Hainan, the Xinhua news agency reported. The cargo craft successfully separated from the rocket, went into orbit and deployed its solar panels, the agency said, citing the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). The space station -- named Tiangong, meaning "heavenly palace" -- will need around 10 missions in total to complete assembly in orbit.