(Yicai Global) April 24 -- China will send another rocket to space next year to work toward fulfilling its manned space mission after its space station Tiangong-1 fell to Earth a year ago. 

The development and construction of Tiangong is going smoothly, state-backed People's Daily reported today, citing Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space flight project. The maiden flight of Long March-5B carrier rocket, part of Tiangong's tests, is scheduled for the first half of 2020, he added. 

China has been preparing for a permanent space station to be put into orbit around 2022 via the Tiangong program, meaning "Heavenly Palace" in English. The first spacecraft burned while re-entering the Earth's atmosphere last April. 

Tiangong's on-orbit construction tasks are predicted to be completed around 2022. The station will be able to carry a total of six people, including three passengers. Engine reliability tests are currently ongoing.

Editor: Emmi Laine