(Source: CGTN)
 
Since the 1990s China has established and pursued its three-step strategic plan for realizing its manned space project. And, the upcoming mission of the Tianzhou-1 cargo ships brings the country even closer to completing a major step forward. 

In 1992 China launched its manned space program, together with a three-step strategy that would look to achieve various goals.

The first step was straightforward - getting  Chinese astronauts into outer space. There they'd conduct space flights and numerous missions, and would ultimately return home safely. The Shenzhou-5 and 6 missions marked major accomplishments in the first phase.

Step two saw yet another breakthrough. Key technologies were developed for extravehicular activities, while a rendezvous docking mission was completed in outer space. The second phase also called for a space lab for short-term applications involving humans, to be deployed. This was duly accomplished with 4 missions from the Shenzhou spacecraft series 7 to 10. And in September of 2016, the launching of the Tiangong-2 Space Lab saw China acquire the practical experience and technological know-how of conducting long-term space missions.

However, challenges still remain. Re-supplying and fueling the space lab are still tasks that need to be ironed out.

The upcoming launch of the Tianzhou-1 cargo ship, will kick of the final mission of the second phase of China's manned space program. It's expected to re-supply the Tiangong-2, while leading China into its third and final phase.

And in just a few years, in 2022, the third step of assembling and operating a fully-functional space station will take place. By then, China will have conducted numerous long-term space walks, missions and much more. The country's experience in carrying out technological experiments in orbit will also have developed. But most importantly, China's achievements will be shared by all, as these steps forward will further contribute to mankind's ever-lasting desire for space exploration and utilization.