China has sent the third and, for the time being, final module for its "Tiangong" (Heaven's Palace) space station, which is currently under construction. As shown on Chinese state television, the "Mengtian" module took off from the Wenchang Cosmodrome on the tropical island of Hainan on Monday.

A Long March 5B rocket launched the module into orbit. "Mengtian" is to dock with the core module "Tianhe", which was launched last year. The "Wentian" laboratory module had already docked at the station in July.

Three astronauts currently work and live in the station. Another manned flight is planned for this year. Then six astronauts should temporarily stay in the new space station. The T-shaped station, which will ultimately weigh 66 tons, is then to be completed and start regular operation.

The "Tiangong" space station underpins China's ambitions to become a space power and catch up with the major space nations USA and Russia.