Thursday, November 17, 2011
China spacecraft returns to Earth after docking test
An unmanned Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth successfully today after more than two weeks in orbit, marking a pivotal moment for the rising power's plans to secure a long-term manned foothold in space.
The Shenzhou 8 spacecraft touched down in northern China's Inner Mongolia region after a fiery return to Earth, a live broadcast on Chinese television showed.
The spacecraft was part of China's first docking exercise on Nov. 3, when it joined the Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) 1 module about 340 km (210 miles) above Earth.
The unmanned Tiangong module, which is 10.5 metres (35 feet) long, launched on Sept. 29, is part of China's exploratory preparations for a space lab.
China aims to have a fully fledged space station by about 2020.
The Shenzhou 8 spacecraft touched down in northern China's Inner Mongolia region after a fiery return to Earth, a live broadcast on Chinese television showed.
The spacecraft was part of China's first docking exercise on Nov. 3, when it joined the Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) 1 module about 340 km (210 miles) above Earth.
The unmanned Tiangong module, which is 10.5 metres (35 feet) long, launched on Sept. 29, is part of China's exploratory preparations for a space lab.
China aims to have a fully fledged space station by about 2020.
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