China's cargo spacecraft sets new world record

The manned space agency said the fast rendezvous and docking are key to establishing the capability to transport supplies to the space station in an emergency.

Designers of Tianzhou 5 at the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing said the cargo ship is carrying about 5.3 metric tons of materials, including living and mission necessities, scientific equipment as well as a mini experimental satellite. The craft is also carrying nearly 1.4 tons of propellants for the Tiangong station, the designers said.