Tiangong 1 might be launched in late September

Edited and translated by Yao Chun, People's Daily Online

Effect drawing of the Chinese unmanned space module Tiangong 1
Due to the launch failure of the experimental orbiter SJ-11-04, the Chinese unmanned space module Tiangong 1, the prototype of the Chinese space experiment station, which was scheduled to launch in late August, is now expected to launch in late September, according to the China Manned Space Engineering Office.

An exact launch date will be set pending the investigation into the failed rocket.

The launch of Tiangong 1, which means "Heavenly Palace" in Chinese, is a major milestone in China's space launch program for this year. According to the plan, within two years after the launch of Tiangong 1, China will successively launch a series of spacecrafts named Shenzhou 8, Shenzhou 9, Shenzhou 10, all of which will dock with Tiangong 1. In 2020, China is expected to fubusg its space station.

The launch of the Tiangong 1 is accompanied by parallel developments in the Russian space industry. The CEO of a Russian spacecraft manufacturer recently claimed that Russia will restart the private space travel project, and the next space traveler will fly to the International Space Station in 2014.

With an eye toward the stars, humans have stopped making progress in the exploration of the space. As an independently developed space experiment station, the Tiangong 1 is the prototype of the Chinese space station, and it plays a role as experimental pioneer. With the launch of Tiangong 1, China will usher in the space station era.