24 July 2022
On 24 July, at 14:22 BJT, a CZ-5B launched the Wentian space station module from Wenchang Space Launch Centre. The new module will function both as a backup of the core module and as a scientific experiment platform. In the next couple of hours, the Wentian will rendezvous and then dock with the Tiangong station's Tianhe core module. The Wentian module is 17.9 m long, has a maximum diameter of 4.2 m, and a takeoff mass of 23 t. After checks by the SZ-14 crew, Wentian will be repositioned in coming weeks by a robotic arm from the forward docking port to a lateral port, where it will remain and be prepared for long-term operation.
MORE...
Jean Deville took the effort to live stream the launch and moderated the event - including translating the Chinese audio. A must see for all space enthusiasts!