China successfully launched 22-metric ton Tianhe space station module by Long March-5B heavy-lift rocket from the Wechang spaceport. It's the beginning of an intense period of missions for constructing the nation's own space station.
Tianhe or "harmony of the heavens" is now expected to raise its orbit to 370 kilometers above the Earth. This mission will be the first three of 11 launches scheduled for 2021 and 2022. Tianhe will provide regenerative life support and the main living quarters for astronauts.
Chinese Space Station (CSS) is expected to operate in orbit for atleast ten years. Experiment modules named Wentian and Mengtian, expected to launch in 2022. It will host a plethora of experiments in areas including astronomy, space medicine, space life science, biotechnology and other space technologies.
The construction phase of China's Space Station begins nearly 30 years after the project was first approved, back in 1992.