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China's space programme
ChinaScience

Xi Jinping urges era of exploration as China nears launch of first space station module

  • Long March 5B rocket transported to Hainan site where it will be loaded with control centre and main living area for astronauts
  • Launch expected in the coming months as China continues to step up its space programme

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The heavy-lift rocket arrived at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on Hainan Island on Monday. Photo: Weibo
Liu Zhen
President Xi Jinping urged scientists to further China’s progress in space, as the country moved a step closer to launching the first module of its space station.
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The remarks came as a heavy-lift rocket was moved into place on Monday in preparation for the launch in the coming months.

The China Manned Space Engineering Office said the Long March 5B (CZ-5B) rocket had been transported to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the southern island of Hainan.

It will now be loaded with the core module of the permanent space station and tests will be carried out before it is sent into low-Earth orbit, at an altitude of about 400km, for the first phase of construction.

At the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi urged members of the Chang’e 5 lunar mission team to further the country’s progress in space.
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“You should start a new journey of interstellar exploration, step by step, continue to promote the innovative development of China’s space industry, and make new and greater contributions to the peaceful use of space for mankind,” he said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

The president was also shown lunar rock samples collected by the Chang’e 5 spacecraft last year.
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