Tests to start on launch of space station

Assembly will begin around 2020, with full operation expected in 2022

China will start preparatory tests for its manned space station mission in the second half of this year, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The agency said in a statement on Monday that the core module of the space station, as well as a Long March 5B carrier rocket and payloads to be carried by the rocket's maiden flight, will be transported to the Wenchang Space Launch Site in the island province of Hainan to conduct tests.