China's Tiangong-2 to de-orbit after July 2019

BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Tiangong-2 space lab is functioning normally and will de-orbit safely after July 2019, according to a briefing on China's space projects Wednesday.

"Tiangong-2 is currently operating in a near-circular orbit with an average height of about 400 kilometers. The temperature and pressure of the experimental cabin all meet the working requirements," said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, at the briefing.

"It will conduct compressor life tests and space science application tests in the future," Lin added.

Zhu Congpeng, chief designer of the space lab, said that Tiangong-2 was designed with several safety control modes to deal with emergencies and ensure it can safely leave orbit.

"We have also made more than 300 fault countermeasures to ensure its safe operation, " Zhu said.

Launched on Sept. 15, 2016, Tiangong-2 has been in orbit for more than two years.