Four years on: Check out China's Tianhe core module's journey

The Tianhe core module of the China Space Station celebrates the fourth anniversary of its entry into orbit on Tuesday.

Launched on April 29, 2021, the Tianhe core module signaled the start of the construction of China's space station. Integrating multiple key functions, including astronaut life support, orbital control and information management, the module serves as the hub and cornerstone of the China Space Station.

Since its entry into orbit, the Tianhe core module has successively welcomed the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, forming the "T" configuration of the space station. It has hosted nine crewed missions from Shenzhou-12 to the latest Shenzhou-20, witnessing numerous major events, including extravehicular activities, robotic arm operations, space-based lectures, and scientific experiments.

The four years of operation of the Tianhe core module mark a new phase of stable operation and high-quality development for China's manned space program, laying a solid foundation for more extensive space science research and international cooperation in the future.

With the arrival of the Shenzhou-20 crew, the China Space Station will continue conducting high-frequency experiments in fields such as space medicine, life sciences, and material science – further exploring the cosmos for the benefit of all humanity.