China tests space station module for 2011 launch

China has finished the first module of a planned space station and is testing its electronics and other systems before launching it into orbit next year.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported on the module’s schedule Tuesday. It also said changes were being made on a two-stage Long March 2F rocket that will carry the 8.5-ton Tiangong 1 module into a set orbit.

The Shenzhou 8 spacecraft will dock with it in the second half of 2011, with the Shenzhou 9 and 10 to follow in 2012, Xinhua said.

(source)