Life cozier in space module Tiangong-1

JIUQUAN - The three astronauts aboard the Shenzhou X spacecraft will enjoy a more comfortable environment on the Tiangong-1, a target orbiter and space module, compared with the last manned mission.

Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space program, told a press briefing Monday that waste processing facilities on Tiangong-1 will be improved and the crew will be provided with a variety of food.

Meanwhile, the astronauts will optimize operational procedures and have more time for rest, she said, adding that some equipment will be replaced to make life and work there easier.

The Shenzhou X manned spacecraft, with three astronauts, two males and one female, will be launched at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday, Wu said.

The spacecraft will travel in space for 15 days and go through two docking tests with the orbiting space lab module Tiangong-1, one automatic and the other manual, Wu said.