China has sent the main module of its first permanent space station into orbit.
The launch of the so-called "Heavenly Harmony" begins the first of 11 missions necessary to complete, supply and crew the station by the end of 2022.
In a message, President Xi Jinping congratulated launch center staff, saying the project was an important part of China's strategy to develop its technology and aerospace industries.
Beijing began working on a space station plan in 1992.
