A full-sized model of the core module of China's space station Tianhe exhibited at the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 5, 2018 (Photo: Xinhua/Liang Xu)

The rocket blasted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on the coast of southern China's island province of Hainan at 6 p.m., Beijing Time. The rocket carried an experimental men crew capsule and a return cargo.

A space core module is set to be carried into orbit by Long March-5B this year. After the third step, Chinese astronauts and scientists will execute regular space experiments, creating foundations for China’s space programs in the future.