Space station plan outlined

China's future space station will comprise a core module, two experimental modules, a manned spaceship and a cargo spaceship, a top scientist said yesterday.

Qi Faren, chief designer of the Shenzhou spacecraft, told China Daily that the core module will weigh about 20 tons and incorporate a connecting part that has multiple berthing mechanisms so that it can link with modules such as a lifeboat or cargo spaceship.

Now in the second stage of its manned space program, China needs to master four technologies to launch the space station in the third and final stages, he said.