China all set to launch second space lab Tiangong-2 next week!

New Delhi: The world of space is witnessing humongous progress this year. After ISRO's successful GSLV launch earlier this week, it's China's turn to gear up for a launch.

The Chinese space agency is all set to launch its second spacelab Tiangong-2 next week. The Long March 2F rocket has already been transported to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center launch pad and will test life support systems and refueling technology for its 60 ton modular space station.

As per The TeCake, Tiangong-2 will be placed in an orbit of 393 kilometers above the Earth and it will help in studying fundamental physics, biology, fluid mechanics in microgravity, space science and will monitor Earth from space. In addition, it has the capability to measure the topography of the oceans with very high precision which will enable scientists to study Earth’s gravity field.

Considering all goes well, China will launch Tianzhou-1 – China’s first refueling and cargo vessel – which will visit Tiangong-2 in the first half of the next year. Long March 7 rocket will be used to blast Tianzhou-1.

International Space Station will retire in 2024 and Chinese space station is a promising alternative. Other space agencies are looking forward to collaborate with China as Chinese station can become the international base for astronauts in coming years, The TeCake reported.