China ready to move ahead with development of a space station after refueling tests – SpaceNews

An artist's concept of China's space station, with the initial module set to launch in 2018. Credit: CMSA

Chinese officials said Friday theyre ready to move ahead with development of a space station after testing refueling technologies in space.

The Tianzhou-1 spacecraft successfully transferred propellant to the Tiangong-2 module this week after docking with the lab module on Saturday.

That test, officials said, clears the way for development of a permanent space station, with various components to be launched between 2019 and 2022. [Reuters]

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China ready to move ahead with development of a space station after refueling tests - SpaceNews