This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Nov. 3, 2022 shows China's space station lab module Mengtian after successfully completing in-orbit transposition. (Photo by Sun Fengxiao/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's space station lab module Mengtian successfully completed in-orbit transposition at 9:32 a.m. (Beijing Time) Thursday, announced the China Manned Space Agency.

This transposition marked the formation of the space station's basic T-shape configuration, representing a key step toward the completion of China's space station, said the agency.

The Mengtian lab module first completed its state setting and then separated from the space station combination. Mengtian next conducted transposition and docked at the side port of the core module's node cabin.

The Shenzhou-14 crew will enter the Mengtian lab module on Thursday afternoon.

In accordance with the plan, the basic function tests and evaluation of the space station combination will be carried out, said the agency.

This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Nov. 3, 2022 shows a view inside Tianhe core module after China's space station lab module Mengtian completed in-orbit transposition. (Photo by Sun Fengxiao/Xinhua)

This simulated image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Nov. 3, 2022 shows China's space station lab module Mengtian after completing in-orbit transposition. (Photo by Sun Fengxiao/Xinhua)