Tianzhou-2, docks with its new space station module

A Chinese cargo spacecraft that is named Tianzhou-2 has successfully docked with its space station Tiangong-3’s core module.

Context

A Chinese cargo spacecraft that is named Tianzhou-2 has successfully docked with its space station Tiangong-3’s core module.

Tianzhou-2 was launched on a Long March-7 Y3 rocket. It was docked with Tianhe core module.
Cargo supplies: The cargo craft was carrying propellant, equipment, and food and supplies for a future crew.
- The supplies carried by the craft will be utilised by the first crew scheduled to fly to the station module next month.
Tianzhou is a series of cargo spacecraft developed by China to dock with space stations.
Tianzhou-1 flew thrice in 2017 with fuel for the Tiangong-2 space station prototype.

The Tiangong (meaning ‘Heaven’s Palace’) programme was started in 1992.
The current orbiting module is the core component of the Tiangong-3 space station, which is the third and final functional version of the station.
It will weigh 66,000 kg and begin operations by 2022 at an orbit of about 350-450 km.
The space station will be assembled and operated entirely by one nation, unlike the International Space Station (ISS).
Its design contains multiple modules, including the Tianhe core module, with science labs.
The dockable Shenzhou crew capsule or lifeboat and the Tianzhou robotic cargo ship will also be a part of the station on either ends of the core module.
- Three astronauts will travel in the Shenzhou-12 spacecraft.