China's Shenzhou 8 unmanned spacecraft successfully disengaged from the space lab module Tiangong-1 Monday evening after a 12-day flight together.

The two spacecraft are set to dock again soon, according to the mission's control center.

The Shenzhou 8, launched on Nov. 1, rendezvoused and docked two days later with the already-in-orbit Tiangong-1 module, completing China's first space-docking.

Tiangong-1 has been in orbit since its launch on Sept. 29.

The docking mechanism, composed of up to 10,000 parts, and the more than 600 instruments aboard Shenzhou 8 were all developed and made by China, according to Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space program, at a previous press conference.

Related

• China ready for 2nd space docking
• China's 2nd space docking to occur in harsh conditions
• Shenzhou-8 and Tiangong-1 prepare for 2nd docking
• China's space industry to see accelerated expansion

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)