Tianzhou-1 Cargo Demonstration Mission

China took another step in its ambitions of deploying a large Space Station on Thursday by sending the country's first orbital logistics mission on its way to demonstrate the technologies needed for keeping China's space station stocked up on supplies and refueling propellant.

Tianzhou-1, China's first 'Heavenly Vessel,' blasted off aboard the second Long March 7 rocket, taking flight from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island. Over a five-month shakedown mission, the craft will make three separate dockings to the Tiangong-2 space laboratory & demonstrate the transfer of propellants to the orbiting module. The initial arrival of TZ-1 at its orbital destination is planned on Saturday.

Live video by CGTN.