Tianzhou 7 spacecraft begins its journey to Earth

The Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft left the Tiangong space station on Sunday and is set to return to Earth soon, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The agency said in a brief release that the robotic craft undocked from Tiangong at 4:30 pm and entered into the solo-flight mode.

During the atmospheric reentry process guided by ground controllers, most of the spaceship will burn up, and a small amount of debris is expected to fall into secure areas in the South Pacific Ocean, the agency noted.

The spaceship, tasked to deliver propellants, science payloads and necessities for the Shenzhou XVII astronauts, was launched on Jan 17. The Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft is expected to be launched in November, the agency added.