Launch Monitoring System of Tianzhou-1 Spacecraft Enters Preparation Stage

The launch control system of China’s first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 entered the key phase of its pre-launch preparation as the carrier rocket Long March-7 was transported to the Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China’s Hainan Province on Saturday. Tianzhou-1, to be launched in April, is expected to dock with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab three times before returning to Earth, while the latter will remain in orbit and continue its work. The carrier rocket, also called the Long March-7 Yao-2, will carry Tianzhou-1 into space. “After the carrier rocket Long March-7 is transported to the rocket launch site, we will conduct components testing, vertical assembling, and docking of the spacecraft. The rocket will undergo four general checks and finally be transported for refueling. The rocket will be launched in April when the time is right,“ said Che Zhuming, a senior engineer at the launch center. China’s space monitoring and control vessel team Yuan