Zhou Jianping, the chief of China’s manned space programs, said on Dec. 25 that the first element of China’s space station, the core module, will be launched within the first six months of this coming year. The station is expected to be completed in 2022. The start of station assembly had been delayed due to the launch failures of the heavy lift Long March 5 rocket.
Zhou explained the complexity and heightened level of activity operating the station will require. This will be done in two phases. The first entails six flights, including the core module. After the core module is in orbit, Shenzhou-12, the next manned mission, will become the first station crew. The mission of the first phase is key technology validation.
