China to launch unmanned spacecraft
Reuters
2011-10-26
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China said on Wednesday it will launch its first docking spacecraft to carry out the nation's first space docking test in early November.
In what will mark a crucial test of its growing space programme, the unmanned Shenzhou-8 will attempt to join up with the Tiantong-1, or "Heavenly Palace-1", space laboratory module China launched in September.
The eight-tonne craft will be the first of three spacecrafts to attempt docking on the experimental space station in the next two years, paving the way for a permanent manned space station around 2020, a mission spokeswoman said.
China said on Wednesday it will launch its first docking spacecraft to carry out the nation's first space docking test in early November.
In what will mark a crucial test of its growing space programme, the unmanned Shenzhou-8 will attempt to join up with the Tiantong-1, or "Heavenly Palace-1", space laboratory module China launched in September.
The eight-tonne craft will be the first of three spacecrafts to attempt docking on the experimental space station in the next two years, paving the way for a permanent manned space station around 2020, a mission spokeswoman said.
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