China's Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module Monday morning following a precision nighttime launch that engineers described as "perfect" and "exhilarating".
The Long March-7 Y10 rocket blasted off at 5:34 a.m. from Hainan Province's Wenchang launch site, delivering 6.5 tonnes of critical supplies including new spacesuits and scientific equipment to orbit in record time.
"It's incredibly exciting and exhilarating! The Long March-7 rocket has completed its 10 missions, all ending in complete success," said Zhao Hai, a veteran engineer from the rocket team with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) who has participated in all Long March-7 rocket missions.
"Today the whole process is perfect. It was a zero-window launch, meaning there was no margin for error. All the team members worked tirelessly through the night, remaining fully focused and united to ensure this critical mission was executed flawlessly," he said.
The mission marks another milestone in China's space station program, carrying specialized exercise equipment and two upgraded Feitian spacesuits alongside routine supplies for the upcoming Shenzhou-20 and -21 crews.
CASC engineer Feng Yong noted the growing capabilities of China's cargo spacecraft.
"This time it carried a heavier and greater volume of large cargo. In the future, we'll even develop open-structure cargo ships to transport even larger items," Feng said.
With the Tianzhou-9 now securely docked, engineers have already turned their attention to next-generation spacecraft designs.
"Beyond our routine cargo transport and on-orbit support tasks, we are also conducting new technological and large-payload experimental verifications. These experiments will provide excellent support for our future rendezvous and docking operations," Feng added.
Chinese space engineers hail flawless Tianzhou-9 cargo launch to orbital station
