China began a project to build a space cargo ship that will carry cargo for the needs of their Tiangong space station. Among the selected projects is Haolong by AVIC. At the Zhuhai International Air Show this week, AVIC shared some specifications of their designed cargo ship.
As expected Haolong operates without a pilot. It is 10 meters long and 8 meters wide. The cargo compartment of the spacecraft can accommodate up to 1.8 tons of cargo. It will be launched using a rocket before continuing its journey to Tiangong. Upon arrival at the destination, it will dock at the dock located at the stern of the ship.
So far it does not appear to have the ability to put satellites into orbit like the Space Shuttle. The two "doors" on the top are simply used to protect the solar panel. The solar panel is open the entire time it is docked with the Tiangong.
Through shared animations, astronauts will enter the cargo bay and self-issuance. After the mission, Haolong will return to earth like a Space Shuttle with a wheeled lander done on the runway of the airport.