Guardian:
With the successful launch of its prototype space-delivery
vehicle,
Shenzhou 8, China has taken another step toward
building its own space station. Within the next two days,
Shenzhou 8 should dock with the
Tiangong 1 module, which was
launched
about a month ago. The docking involves some difficult
maneuvers that will prove a further test of China’s space
readiness. "Mastering the technology of rendezvous and docking
will lay a firm foundation for China to build a space station,"
said Zhou Jianping, the chief designer of China's manned space
engineering project.
