China launches first astronauts to its new space station, as race with U.S. heats up

“First of all, we need to arrange our home in the core module, then get started on a whole range of diagnostic tests on crucial technology and experiments,” mission commander Nie, 56, told reporters the day before the launch. “The task is very arduous and there are many challenges. My colleagues and I will cooperate closely, operate carefully and overcome all difficulties.”