Top Asian News 3:57 a.m. GMT

China set to send first crew to new space station Thursday

JIUQUAN, China (AP) — China is set to send the first three crew members to its new space station Thursday morning and envisions growing international cooperation on the ambitious project, a space agency official said Wednesday. Two of the astronauts flew in previous missions while the third is going to space for the first time, China Manned Space Agency Assistant Director Ji Qiming told reporters at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China. “Exploring the vast universe, developing space activities building a powerful space nation is our unremitting space dream," Ji said. “The construction and operation of China's space station will raise our technologies and accumulate experience for all the people.