Tianzhou-1 paves road for space station

China launched its first cargo spacecraft in April on a mission to test technology designed for the nation's planned manned space station.

The Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft, docked with the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab to supply fuel and other items. The mission allowed scientists to test in-orbit resupply technology, essential to running a manned space station.

In the future, the Tianzhou series will be tasked with transporting supplies of fuel and other necessities to China's manned space station, construction of which is set to begin next year.

With all the achievements China has made this year, we are confident the country will meet the target of building a moderately prosperous country by 2020 and move on to become a great modern socialist country by the middle of the 21st century. With that in mind, let's say goodbye to 2017 and get ready to embrace the new year.