China launches core module of space station

China on Thursday sent into space the core module of its space station, starting a series of key launch missions that aim to complete the construction of the station by the end of next year.

The launch was done at the country's space station from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the southern province of Hainan.

The core module, named Tianhe, was carried into space by a Long March-5B Y2 carrier rocket.

Next China will carry out cargo replenishment missions and launch a manned flight for its space station program.

The construction of China's space station Tiangong is scheduled to be completed by around 2022.