China launches first crew to new Tianhe space station

Three Chinese astronauts blasted off and rocketed into orbit Thursday, setting off after the recently-launched core module of China's new space station for a planned three-month stay.

The Shenzhou-12 flight, China's seventh piloted space mission and the first to carry a crew to the new space station, came less than three weeks after the May 29 launch of unpiloted cargo ship that brought needed supplies and equipment. The core module — Heavenly Harmony — was launched April 29. "We need to arrange our home in the core module, then get started on a whole range of diagnostic tests on crucial technology and experiments," mission commander Nie Haisheng said during a pre-flight news conference. "My colleagues and I will cooperate closely, operate carefully and overcome all difficulties."