China's second Tiangong space station module is launched

The second of three modules that will make up China's Tiangong space station has successfully been launched. The Wentian "Quest for the Heavens" module was sent aloft on a Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang, China, at 2:22 p.m. local time (2:22 a.m. ET) Sunday, according to Reuters . Later today, Wentian is expected to meet up with the Tiangong space station after its launch was declared a "total success."

The Shenzhou-14 crew will then begin their mission to connect Wentian with the Tianhe "Harmony of Heaves" module. The latter has been in space since orbital construction on Tiangong began in April 2021. Once operational, Wentian will serve as one of two laboratories that will make up Tiangong's final t-shaped structure. With a length of around fifth of the International Space Station, and long-term lodgings for three people, when complete, the station will be approximately a fifth the size of the International Space Station.

In addition to providing room and equipment for Chinese astronauts to conduct microgravity and life-sciences research, Wentian includes an airlock cabin that will serve as the main entry and exit point for future extravehicular activities out of Tiangong. The module also has temporary living quarters that will enable China to execute crew handover missions.

The first delivery of a space station to China is expected later this year, according to Space.com. In October, the country will deploy Tiangong's last component. The Chinese government is considering allowing commercial spaceflights access to Tiangong. The country has also invited foreign space agencies to tour the facility.