China launches first module of new space station

The space station is expected to become fully operational in 2022 after about 10 missions to bring up more parts and assemble them in orbit

China has launched the first module of its new space station, a milestone in Beijing's ambitious plan to place a permanent human presence in space.

The Tianhe or Heavenly Harmony" unmanned core module, containing living quarters for three crew, was launched from Wenchang in China's Hainan province on a Long-March 5B rocket on Thursday.