China Just Launched the First Astronauts to Its Space Station

"Exploring the vast universe, developing space activities and building a powerful space nation is our unremitting space dream."

Big Night

China just launched the first astronauts to its nascent space station, who blasted off aboard a Long March 2F rocket.

Images show the spacecraft already soaring high above the Earth.

"We have invested so much energy," the rocket's designer, Rong Yi, told NBC News. "But I am thrilled to see it fulfill its duty within 10 minutes."

Orbit Party

The launch is significant because it's the first time humans have joined China's Tiangong-3 space station, but also because it's the first time China has sent any astronauts into orbit since 2016.

"I believe that in the near future, when the Chinese space station is complete, we will see Chinese and foreign astronauts taking on joint missions," China Manned Space Agency Assistant Director Ji Qiming said at a news conference before the launch, per NBC's reporting.

Space Dream

If all goes according to plan, China will launch 11 missions over the next two years to complete the space station. China has never been allowed to participate in the International Space Station, but Chinese authorities implied that other countries will be able to join its work on the Tiangong station.

"Exploring the vast universe, developing space activities and building a powerful space nation is our unremitting space dream," Qiming added.

READ MORE: 'Divine Vessel' rocket launches China's first human spaceflight since 2016 [NBC News]

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