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China sent another three astronauts to space at dawn today (16th). It will be the second time this year alone, and it will stay in space for six months, the longest in the history of China's space challenge.
Correspondent Kim Ji-sung from Beijing.
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"3, 2, 1, Ignite"
Today at 1:23 a.m. our time, the Chinese manned spacecraft Shenzhou 13 was launched.
The astronauts of Shenzhou 12, launched in June, launched a manned spacecraft again one month after returning to Earth.
Even though it was early, the launch scene was broadcast live throughout China.
[Chinese CCTV Broadcasting: It's so beautiful, in the night sky. It really is the brightest star in the night sky.]
Shenzhou 13 also succeeded in docking with the core module of the space station.
The three astronauts will be tasked with testing the technology and installing equipment for the construction of China's own space station, Tiangong.
You will stay in space for six months, the longest in Chinese space challenge history.
In the 18 years since the launch of the first manned spacecraft in 2003, China has sent a total of 13 people into space.
[Wang Yaping/Chinese Astronaut: We will do our best to complete all missions meticulously and explore the vast universe.]
China plans to complete the construction of the space station Tiangong by the end of next year.
China launched its first solar exploration satellite two days ago, and it is interpreted as a project that represents President Xi Jinping's key to revitalizing the Chinese nation, who is about to take office for the third time in the second half of next year.
(Video coverage: Choi Duk-hyun, video editing: Jung Yong-hwa, CG: Kang Kyung-rim)