China has successfully launched the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft, marking another milestone in the country’s ambitious space program. The mission, aimed at resupplying the Tiangong space station, was carried out from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The spacecraft was launched atop a Long March-7 Y11 carrier rocket. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the Tianzhou-10 has already successfully completed its orbital insertion and docked smoothly with the aft port of the space station’s Tianhe core module.
The World’s Most Capable Cargo Vessel
Tianzhou-10 is being hailed as the most capable active-duty cargo spacecraft currently in operation. Building on the technological advancements of its predecessors, this mission delivers nearly 6.2 tones of essential supplies to sustain the orbiting laboratory.
Since the maiden flight of the Tianzhou series, the spacecraft has undergone significant upgrades. Major design improvements introduced starting with Tianzhou-6 increased the sealed cabin volume by 20%, allowing for a total cargo load capacity of over 7 tonnes.
Yu Lei, a senior engineer from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), noted that constant improvements have been made leading up to Tianzhou-10 to ensure it provides the most comprehensive in-orbit support capabilities in the world.
A Milestone for Global Science
This launch marks the 641st flight of the Long March rocket series and the 10th flight for the Tianzhou spacecraft program. As the 5th resupply mission since Tiangong entered its application and development stage, Tianzhou-10 underscores China’s commitment to a permanent and stable human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The mission’s success demonstrates the maturity and reliability of China’s space logistics system, ensuring that scientific operations and long-term habitation aboard the Tiangong space station can continue without interruption.
Source: CGTN
