BEIJING: China launched the first module of a new permanent space station — the latest in Beijing’s ambitious space program.

The Tianhe module was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre on a Long March-5B Y2 rocket, BBC reported.

According to the report, China hopes to have the new station operational by 2022.

So far, China has sent two previous space stations into orbit, BBC said adding that the Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 were trial stations though, allowing only relatively short stays for astronauts.

(With inputs from BBC)