China has successfully carried out its first manned space docking. Shenzhou-9 spacecraft automatically connected with the space lab module, the Tiangong-1. The crew are now in the lab where they will spend the remainder of their mission. Their stay will last 14 days, during which they will collect data and carry out experiments on life in space.

Shenzhou-9 approaches Tiangong-1. The spacecraft moves at a snail’s pace - only 0.2 meters per second as it makes its way toward the orbiting lab. This all takes place under automatic control.

This is a feat China has already pulled off once before, but it is the first time for their craft to be carrying astronauts with it. That makes for a tense moment.

But eventually the time comes and the craft latches-on to the waiting Tiangong-1. It uses a hook to grab hold of the waiting lab.

At that comes a moment of elation for the ground crew. They have been working on the project for decades, so this marks the beginning of the end of a very long wait.

But this is just one breakthrough that paves the way for further work. The space men and women must now transition to life inside Tiangong-1. The first step is to make sure its all clear to head inside.

The lab has been in orbit for over 250 days, so astronauts have to make sure the environment inside the capsule is safe before they open the hatch. Their first move is to raise the pressure in the docking track connecting the orbital module to Shenzhou-9. The passage will need to be filled with air before the astronauts can make their way across.

The process takes hours, but it’s all part of a buildup to an exciting entry.

The two male astronauts Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang enter the space lab first, while the lady, Liu Yang has to remain in the re-entry module, until the communication system between Tiangong-1 and the ground control center is confirmed.

Finally everyone is inside, and judging from their reactions, it seems they like their new home.

Related

• Chinese austronaut opens Tiangong 1's gate valve
• Pressure balanced between orbital module and Tiangong 1
• Shenzhou 9 crew enter Tiangong 1
• Shenzhou 9 spacecraft docks with Tiangong 1 module
• Shenzhou 9 spacecraft moves toward Tiangong 1 module
• Shenzhou 9 30 meters away from space lab module Tiangong 1
• Shenzhou 9 extends docking system towards space lab module Tiangong 1
• Shenzhou 9 52 km away from space lab module Tiangong 1
• Shenzhou 9 spacecraft to dock with Tiangong 1 around 2 pm
• Shenzhou 9 docks with Tiangong 1

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