Spacecraft completes in-orbit refueling

The Tianzhou 1 cargo spacecraft has carried out its second in-orbit operation to deliver fuel to the Tiangong II space laboratory, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The agency said in a news release on Thursday evening that Tianzhou 1 completed the two-day refueling process at 6:28 pm, adding that the operation was also designed to provide a second verification of the technology and devices used in spacecraft refueling.

The process involved examining fuel pipes and pumping propellants and oxidizer into fuel containers, the news release said.