China successfully launches the cargo ship Tianzhou-2 (Photo: Xinhua News Agency)

The Long March-7 Y3 rocket, carrying Tianzhou-2, blasted off from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). After 604 seconds, Tianzhou-2 separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. At 9:17 p.m., the solar panels of Tianzhou-2 unfolded and began working properly. China launched its space station core module Tianhe on April 29.

The Tianzhou-2 cargo ship is responsible for refueling the core module and transporting supplies for outer space missions. The manned spacecraft Shenzhou-12 is expected to be launched into space by a Long March-2F booster in June, bringing three astronauts into orbit.