China puts space station module into orbit

China has sent the main module of its first permanent space station into orbit.

The launch of the so-called "Heavenly Harmony" begins the first of 11 missions necessary to complete, supply and crew the station by the end of 2022. 

In a message, President Xi Jinping congratulated launch center staff, saying the project was an important part of China's strategy to develop its technology and aerospace industries. 

Beijing began working on a space station plan in 1992.

This story was originally published by Adam Elrashidi at Newsy.

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