China sends three new astronauts to its Tiangong space station

 

The astronauts currently occupying the station will return to Earth in December and their successors will then stay for six months.  To keep up with its ambitious goals, China has invested billions in its space program. By 2025, the country should be able to use a reusable spacecraft, experts say. Over the next five years, lunar rock samples will be returned to Earth. China is also working with Russia to establish a research station on this planet.