China Spacecraft Docking Succeeds

China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 successfully docked with the lab module Tiangong-1 on Thursday. According to CNN, Scheshou-8 lifted off on November 1 from a launch facility in the Gobi Desert in northwest China to conduct the first docking test with the First Chinese space laboratory module Tiangong-1 which launched in to space a month before Shenzhou-8

According to Washingtonpost.com, it was "a milestone success and sets a sound foundation for continued missions," Wu Ping spokeswoman for China's manned space program said.

Wu also added the two joint modules will fly for 12 days before conducting the second docking test. The docked two spacecrafts will fly for two more days and then will separate from each other. CNN reported that Shenzhou-8 is scheduled to return to Earth on November 17, while Tiangong-1 will remain in space to wait for the next docking test. 

"Our aim is to try our best to perform multiple tests within one launch so as to maximize our benefits through limited launches," Wu said in Washingtonpost.com

New York Times reported that the docking of the Shenzou-8 with Tiangong-1 was broadcast live in national television and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other top officials watched the process of docking from the control center in Beijing. Thousands of citizens were pleased with the successful "space kiss" and President Hu Jintao also sent a message of praise from France, where he is attending the Group of 20 summit of economic powers.

The U.S. and Russia were the only countries to master the space docking technique. Taking the opportunity, however, China also joins those few countries.

"This makes China one of the few countries in the world that can independently research and develop docking mechanisms," said Wu, describing this achievement as "a historic breakthough for our country and a huge technical leap forward."

According to ABC News.com, China also plans two more space missions. At least one of them is manned. Plans will be launching two other experimental modules for more tests before they launch actual station in three sections between 2020 and 2022. China also hopes to send astronauts to the moon and landing on it one day.