China aims to have a space station by 2022, with the first launch in the programme planned for early next year. Photo: Handout
China is set to launch the core module of its first permanent space station next spring, to be constructed over 11 missions in the next two years and completed by 2022.
Astronauts are already in training for the China-built and operated Tiangong Space Station project, and will also carry out retrieval missions and test in-orbit technologies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.