A spectacular cloud, similar to a jellyfish, remained after the launch of the Tianzho-9 Chinese spacecraft. Filming has gone viral, but the phenomenon has a scientific explanation.
The “Space Jord” filmed after launching a Chinese photo rocket: Video capture
A spectacular phenomenon was surprised in the sky on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, when China launched its spatial freight ship Tianzho-9. The Long March-7 Y10 rocket left behind a bright stream that looked striking with a jellyfish floating in the air, and the images went viral on social networks. The unusual form of the cloud has aroused admiration and curiosity, being described by many as a “spatial jellyfish”, according to Economic Times.
Successful docking and essential delivery of provisions
Just three hours after launch, Tianzhou-9 managed to do successfully and do successfully at the Tingong space station. China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that the ship successfully completed docking on Tuesday morning, at 8:52, following a fast autonomous meeting with the central Tianhe module.
The mission is the fourth of this type since Tiangong entered its application and development phase and underlines China’s growing ability to maintain a fully functional orbital station without external help.
What did Tianzho-9 transported?
Tianzhou-9 took over 7.2 tonnes of supplies on board, of which 1.5 tonnes were food. These include 190 different menus, with over 90 types of gaskets, meant to improve the comfort of astronauts in space.
Nearly 780 kilograms of scientific and research equipment were delivered. Among the most important loads are:
- two modernized EVA costumes, designed to withstand up to 20 outings in space over four years;
- a device for training the basic muscles, intended to combat muscle atrophy under microgravity conditions;
- an innovative experiment with a brain organoid on the chip, which will allow the behavior of human brain cells and hemato-encephalic barrier in space;
- Nanotechnology -based drug administration systems, aerospace medical research tools and material science experiments.
The strategic importance of the mission for China
The launch of Tianzhou-9 has a major significance in the context of the close withdrawal of the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for 2030. Tiangong, the station built by China from three modules, Tianghe, Wentian and Mengtian, is already stated as an advanced scientific, medical and technological research center.
Although China was not invited to participate in the ISS project due to restrictions imposed by the United States, its space program has made remarkable progress. The ability to send spatial ships, to support human dwelling in orbit and to carry out autonomous operations reflects China’s ambition to become a global space.
By the end of 2025, China is preparing to launch the mission with Shenzho-21 crew, which will ensure the current crew and continue the research already started on Tiangg. At the same time, the country plans a mission with human crew a month before 2030. Missions like Tianzhou-9 play an essential role in this ambitious strategy.
