Full coverage: China Tiangong-2 Space Lab Launch

The space industry has paid close attention as China sent the Tiangong-2 lab into space. NASA is watching the Tiangong-2, as well as China's space program in general.  It says the launch marks another step on China's long march to a permanent orbital outpost. Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao, who was once commander of the International Space Station, called the launch "another significant step for China's human spaceflight program."

Gregory Kulacki, senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Security Program, says "The launch of Tiangong-2 demonstrates China remains committed to human spaceflight and to the goal of building a space station in low- earth orbit."