China is about to launch the Shenzhou spacecraft-10

China will bring three astronauts to space this month to connect with an experimental space module, the final step toward the ambition to build its own space station.

The Shenzhou-10 spacecraft entered the "final preparatory phase" for the launch in mid-May, Xinhua reported, quoting a spokesperson for China's manned space program.

Shenzhou-10 will connect with the Thien Cung-1 space laboratory, an important step in the goal of building a full space station can become an astronaut's residence for a long time.

Than Chau-9 was launched in June 2012.

The ship's pilots will "conduct a lecture for a group of students via video" when in orbit, after the launch from a center in northwest China, Xinhua added.

China's spatial capabilities still lag behind those of the US and Russia, but Beijing has ambitious plans for the space program, including plans to bring people to the moon and build a space station. in 2020.

China first brought people to space in 2003. By 2012, the mission of the Shenzhou-9 vessel had become the longest space trip in Chinese history. Mission Than Chau-9 also brought China's first astronaut to space, next to two other male members.

Beijing sees the multibillion-dollar space program symbolizing the rising global position, the ability to master the technology and the success of the Chinese Communist Party in changing the destiny of a poor country.

Asian powers are pushing manned space operations to compete with the US, which has long been a leader in this field but has cut some programs such as "retiring" its fleet of submarines. .