China's Wentian lab module to be launched this month

(ECNS) -- The Wentian lab module, the first lab component of China's Tiangong space station, will be launched at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan this month, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Mengtian lab module, the second lab component, has completed thermal vacuum testing.

The Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued an orbit control command to the space station's components on July 4, a test preparation for Wentian to dock with the station.

After docking, the astronauts will enter the Wentian lab module to activate the life support system, assemble experiment cabinets, and carry out cross-scientific research.

A new space science lecture will be delivered at the Wentian lab module. It will be the first time for the taikonauts to broadcast a live lecture from a space lab module, the China Manned Space Agency said.

Previous space classes by the Shenzhou-13 crew were given from the station's core module, the Tianhe.

The astronauts will also perform spacewalks out of the lab module.

The Mengtian lab module, which is scheduled to be launched in October, has completed all the thermal vacuum tests, as well as harmful gas collection and noise tests in the sealed cabin.

The Wentian lab will mainly focus on the study of space life sciences, which can support the growth, development, genetics and aging of multiple species of plants, animals and microorganisms under space conditions.

The Mengtian lab will be oriented to microgravity research and is equipped with experimental cabinets for fluid physics, materials science, combustion science, basic physics and space technology.

On June 5, China launched the Shenzhou-14 spacecraft with three astronauts for a six-month mission to help complete the construction of the country's space station in orbit.