High-tech ship commissioned to track spacecraft

China commissioned a new-generation ship on Tuesday for tracking and controlling spacecraft. It will soon be used to service the Shenzhou XI manned mission, according to the China Satellite Maritime Tracking and Control Department.

The 220-meter-long, 40-meter-high Yuanwang 7, which entered service in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province, has a displacement of 30,000 metric tons. Capable of resisting strong typhoons, the vessel can operate 100 days at the sea, the department said in a news release.

The ship underwent a 60-day trial run in waters off Zhoushan, Zhejiang.