BEIJING -- (Xinhua) -- The space fuel cell payload aboard the Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft has completed in-orbit tests, the first time China has conducted such tests, according to the China Academy of Space Technology.

Wan Zheng'an, chief designer of Beijing Spacecraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the developer of the system under the China Academy of Space Technology, said that the tests have initially verified the integrity of the system's properties under conditions such as vacuum, low temperature and microgravity, providing important data. And theoretical support for the development and important research technology of space fuel cell power system.

Wan said the tests aim to provide support for the application of space fuel cell power systems in the country's future major projects, including manned lunar exploration and deep space exploration.

Tianzhou-5 was launched on November 12 from the Wenchang spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Island Province.