Full coverage: China Tiangong-2 Space Lab Launch

Tiangong-2 will verify key technologies for China’s future space station. We now take a look at some of the main objectives and missions that Tiangong-2 is set to accomplish.

Unlike the Tiangong-1, China’s first prototype space lab, the Tiangong-2 is designed to have astronauts stay in space for a longer time. The Shenzhou 11 spacecraft, to carry two astronauts, will blast off later to dock with the Tiangong-2. These two astronauts are expected to live in the space lab for up to 30 days.

The second mission of the Tiangong-2 is to dock with a cargo ship next year, resupplying the space lab. The "Tiangong-1" was designed for a two-year service in orbit, while the "Tiangong-2" is expected to operate much longer, when with new propellant and other resources.

Last but not least, a record number of 14 experiments will be carried out in the Tiangong-2. These experiments will cover cutting edge technologies like space materials science and space life science. And, two of the experiments will be operated by astronauts aboard the space lab.

All in all, the Tiangong-2 is another pioneer of China’s future permanent manned space station, which is schedule to enter into service in 2022.