BEIJING With the launch of the Tiangong-2 space laboratory on Sept. 15, China has moved closer to its goal of building and operating its own space station.
In October, China plans to launch a manned spacecraft to the lab. Astronauts will be able to conduct experiments and China's space program will gain experience with docking and extended stays in space. With construction of a space station scheduled for completion in about 2022, Beijing is laying the groundwork to join the small club of space powerhouse nations that now includes only the U.S. and Russia.
