China Manned Space Program

File:Satellite FSW cropped.jpg satellite]]

Formal research of China's human spaceflight began in 1968. An institute for medical and space engineering was founded in Beijing.{{cite web |title=Timeline: China's spaceflight history |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8144-timeline-chinas-spaceflight-history/ |website=New Scientist |access-date=24 July 2021 |date=12 October 2005 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726075400/https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8144-timeline-chinas-spaceflight-history/ |url-status=live }} It was the predecessor of The China Astronaut Research and Training Center, at which China's astronauts were trained in the following decades. Before that, in 1964, China launched a sounding rocket, carrying several small animals to an altitude of 70 km as an attempt to study the effects of spaceflight on living creatures.

On 24 April 1970, China launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong I into orbit. In 1970, Qian Xuesen, the father of China's space program, introduced his human spaceflight project, which was later called Project 714. An early version of a crewed spacecraft called Shuguang I was under research. However, this program was cancelled due to a lack of funds and political interest. Instead, China decided in 1978 to pursue a method of sending astronauts into space using the more familiar FSW-derived ballistic reentry capsules. Two years later. in 1980, the Chinese government cancelled the program citing cost concerns.https://web.archive.org/web/20120419165427/http://www.futron.com/upload/wysiwyg/Resources/Whitepapers/China_n_%20Second_Space_Age_1003.pdf - 5 May 2020

In order to gain relative experience, China launched and recovered its first recoverable satellite, Fanhui Shi Weixing, on 26 November 1975.{{cite web |title=Timeline: Major milestones in Chinese space exploration |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-china-moon-timeline-idINKBN28B5GE |website=Reuters |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726075358/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-china-moon-timeline-idINKBN28B5GE |url-status=live }} The success of the mission demonstrated China's capabilities of controlled atmospheric entry.

In 1986, the 863 Program was funded by the Chinese government. It was intended to stimulate the development of science and technologies in several key areas, in which space capabilities were included.{{cite web |title=中国载人航天史上的四组神秘代号 都是什么含义？ |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2021-06/17/c_1211204408.htm |website=Xinhua Net |access-date=2021-07-10 |date=2021-06-17 |archive-date=2021-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710164821/http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2021-06/17/c_1211204408.htm |url-status=live | language=zh }}

The Chinese human spaceflight program, formally titled the China Manned Space Program, was formally approved on September 21, 1992, by the Standing Committee of Politburo as Project 921,{{cite web |title=Management_CHINA MANNED SPACE |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/management/Management/ |website=Official Website of China Manned Space |access-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711063525/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/management/Management/ |archive-date=11 July 2021 |url-status=live}} with work beginning on 1 January 1993. The initial plan has three steps:

1. First Step: Launch a crewed spaceship with the aim of building up the fundamental capability in human space exploration and space experiments.
2. Second Step: Launch a space laboratory tasked with making technological breakthroughs for extravehicular activities, space rendezvous and spacecraft docking procedures, as well as providing a solution for man-tended space utilization on a certain scale and short-term basis.
3. Third Step: Establish a Space Station with the aim of providing a solution for human-tended -space utilization on a larger scale and longer-term basis.

The program was led by a chief commander and a chief designer, who handled administrative and technical issues respectively. A joint meeting between these two was responsible for making decisions on important issues during the implementation of the project. The first chief designer of the program was Wang Yongzhi. A new organization, China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) under the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, was founded for the administration of the program.

In 1994, China signed a cooperation agreement with Russia to purchase aerospace technologies. In 1995, a deal was signed between the two countries for the transfer of Russian Soyuz spacecraft technology to China. Included in the agreement were schedules for astronaut training, provision of Soyuz capsules, life support systems, docking systems, and space suits. In 1996, two Chinese astronauts, Wu Jie and Li Qinglong, began training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. After training, these men returned to China and proceeded to train other Chinese astronauts at sites near Beijing and Jiuquan.{{cite web|url=http://www.futron.com/upload/wysiwyg/Resources/Whitepapers/China_n_%20Second_Space_Age_1003.pdf|title=China and the Second Space Age|access-date=6 October 2011|publisher=Futron Corporation|year=2003|author=Futron Corp.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419165427/http://www.futron.com/upload/wysiwyg/Resources/Whitepapers/China_n_%20Second_Space_Age_1003.pdf|archive-date=19 April 2012}}

The hardware and know-how purchased from Russia led to modifications of the original Step One spacecraft, later known called Shenzhou, roughly translated as "divine vessel". New launch facilities were built at the Jiuquan launch site in Inner Mongolia, and in the spring of 1998, a mock-up of the Long March 2F launch vehicle with Shenzhou spacecraft was rolled out for integration and facility tests.

File:Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center with sign.jpg]]

File:Shenzhou-5 return capsule and space suit at NMC 02.jpg return capsule and space suit displayed in the National Museum of China.]]

The development of Long March 2F, China's first human-rated launch vehicle, began in September 1992.{{cite book |author1=兰宁远 |title=中国飞天路 |date=2020-01-01 |publisher=湖南科技出版社 |isbn=9787571002008}} It was derived from the Long March 2E, but with a launch escape system and control system redundancy.

In December 1994, the first hot test fire of a human-rated rocket's engine was completed successfully.

In 1996, two pilots from the Air Force, Wu Jie and Li Qinglong, were handpicked and sent to Russia for training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou |url=http://www.astronautix.com/s/shenzhou.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820192427/http://www.astronautix.com/s/shenzhou.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |website=Astronautix |access-date=13 August 2020}}

In January 1998, 14 pilots were selected as the first batch of Chinese astronaut candidates.{{cite web |last1=Johnson-Freese |first1=Joan |title=China's Manned Space Program -What is that all about? |url=http://web.mit.edu/lipoff/www/hapr/fall02_science/space.pdf |website=MIT |access-date=24 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019092906/http://web.mit.edu/lipoff/www/hapr/fall02_science/space.pdf |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live}}

In November 1998, a new flight control center, Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, was opened to support CMS missions. Also in that year, a new launch complex adapting the advanced "three verticals" (vertical assembly, vertical testing and vertical transport) strategy was put into service in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to support CMS missions exclusively.{{cite web |title=Jiuquan Launch Center |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/constitutes/jiuquanlaunchcenter/ |website=China Manned Space Program |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726165117/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/constitutes/jiuquanlaunchcenter/ |url-status=live }}

On 19 November 1999, Shenzhou 1, the first uncrewed Shenzhou spacecraft, was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and entered predetermined orbit. The ground electrical test model was used during this test flight to meet the deadline by the end of 1999. The return capsule of the spacecraft successfully separated with other parts and landed intact in Inner Mongolia the next day. Despite only limited systems being tested, the mission was still a successful test flight for the Shenzhou spacecraft and Long March 2F rocket.

The second test flight of Shenzhou occurred on 10 January 2001. Shenzhou 2, the first formal uncrewed spaceship of China, was launched into orbit and stayed for seven days before the return capsule separated and performed a safe landing.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou II |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouii/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=2021-07-26 |archive-date=2021-07-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717104934/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouii/ |url-status=live }}

In 2002, China launched Shenzhou 3 and Shenzhou 4; both ended in success. All systems of the program had passed the tests perfectly, indicating a crewed mission was ready to be conducted.

The fifth launch, Shenzhou 5, was the first to carry a human (Yang Liwei) and occurred at 01:00:00 UTC on 15 October 2003.{{Cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2003-045A|title=Shenzhou 5: Trajectory 2003-045A|date=17 April 2020|website=nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127122153/https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2003-045A|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}} At 587 seconds after taking off, the spaceship separated from the rocket and entered an elliptical orbit with an inclination of 42.4°, the perigee height of 199.14 km and the apogee height of 347.8 km.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou V |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouv/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717205601/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouv/ |url-status=live }} Yang became the first Chinese launched into space with Chinese launch vehicle and spacecraft. At 22:23 UTC on 15 October 2003, the re-entry module landed safely in central Inner Mongolia. The whole mission lasted for 21 hours and 23 minutes, making China the third country capable of sending humans to space and back independently, after Russia and the United States.

The first "multi-person and multi-day" crewed space flight, Shenzhou 6, was conducted during 12–17 October 2005. Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng spent more than 4 days in space and orbited the Earth for 76 orbits.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou VI |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouvi/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001192955/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouvi/ |url-status=live }}

The goal of the Second Step of CMS was to make technology breakthroughs in extravehicular activities (EVA) as well as space rendezvous and docking to support short-term human activities in space.{{cite web |title=About CMS |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/aboutcms/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520053620/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/aboutcms/ |url-status=live }} To complete the goal, China launched multiple crewed and uncrewed missions, including two prototypes of China's space station.

File:Shenzhou 7 EVA (1).png mission]]

On 25 September 2008, Shenzhou 7 was launched into space with three astronauts, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng. During the flight, Zhai Zhigang and Liu Boming completed China's first EVA with the Feitian extravehicular space suit made in China and the Sea Hawk extravehicular space suit imported from Russia respectively.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou VII |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouvii/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=19 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119190400/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouvii/ |url-status=live }}

In order to practice space rendezvous and docking, China launched an {{cvt|8000|kg|lb}} target vehicle, Tiangong 1, in 2011 with a variant of Long March 2F,{{cite web |title=Tiangong I |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/tiangong/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021}} followed by Shenzhou 8, the first uncrewed Shenzhou spacecraft since Shenzhou 5. The two spacecraft performed China's first automatic rendezvous and docking on 3 November 2011, which verified the performance of docking procedures and mechanisms.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou VIII |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouviii/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717104932/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouviii/ |url-status=live }} About 9 months later, Tiangong 1 completed the first manual rendezvous and docking with Shenzhou 9, a crewed spacecraft carrying Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and China's first female astronaut Liu Yang.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou IX |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouix/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=17 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717104930/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhouix/ |url-status=live }}

On 11 June 2013, crewed spacecraft Shenzhou 10 carrying astronauts Nie Haisheng, Zhang Xiaoguang and Wang Yaping was launched into orbit and docked with Tiangong 1. The three astronauts spent 12 days in Tiangong 1 by conducting scientific experiments, giving lectures to over 60 million students in China, and performing more docking tests before returning to Earth safely.{{cite web |title=Shenzhou X |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhoux/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172613/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/shenzhoux/ |url-status=live }} The completion of the missions from Shenzhou 6 to Shenzhou 10 demonstrated China's technical advancement in human spaceflight, ending phase 1 of the Second Step.{{cite web |title=神十任务第二场新闻发布会答记者问实录 |url=http://www.cmse.gov.cn/fxrw/tgyhyszsh/xwfbh_631/201306/t20130626_23007.html |website=中国载人航天工程官方网站 |access-date=2021-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712090825/http://www.cmse.gov.cn/fxrw/tgyhyszsh/xwfbh_631/201306/t20130626_23007.html |archive-date=2021-07-12 |date=2013-06-26 |url-status=live |language=zh }}

File:Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 rendering.jpg

To further enhance China's human spaceflight capabilities and make preparation for the construction of future space station, China launched the second phase of the Second Step, which consisted of four space laboratory missions.

In June 2016, China conducted the maiden flight of Long March 7, a new generation medium-lift launch vehicle with higher payload capability to low Earth orbit, from the newly built Wenchang Space Launch Site located in the coastal Hainan Province.{{cite web |title=Space Laboratory Missions |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/space_laboratory_missions/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021 |archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716024144/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/space_laboratory_missions/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2016, Tiangong 2 was launched into orbit. It was a space laboratory with more advanced functions and equipment than Tiangong 1. A month later, Shenzhou 11 was launched and docked with Tiangong 2. Two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong entered Tiangong 2 and were stationed for about 30 days, breaking China's record for the longest human spaceflight mission while verifying the viability of astronauts' medium-term stay in space.

In April 2017, China's first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou 1 docked with Tiangong 2 and completed multiple in-orbit propellant refueling tests, which marked the successful completion of the Second Step of CMS.

File:Launch of Tianhe Core Module (Cropped).jpg on 29 April 2021]]

File:Shenzhou-13_spacewalk.jpg of Shenzhou 13 crew performing spacewalk on Tiangong Space Station on 7 November 2021]]

On 5 May 2020, China successfully launched the maiden flight of Long March 5B, whose payload capability was greater than {{cvt|22000|kg|lb}}, allowing China to put a large space station module into low Earth orbit.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Long March 5B launch clears path for Chinese space station project |url=https://spacenews.com/long-march-5b-launch-clears-path-for-chinese-space-station-project/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=25 July 2021 |date=5 May 2020 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001033459/https://spacenews.com/long-march-5b-launch-clears-path-for-chinese-space-station-project/ |url-status=live }} The mission inaugurated the Third Step of CMS.{{cite web |title=China launches new Long March-5B rocket for space station program |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/news/202005/t20200506_46488.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617054112/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/news/202005/t20200506_46488.html |archive-date=17 June 2021 |date=5 May 2020}}

The Third Step aims to complete the construction of China's space station Tiangong. It can be divided into two phases:{{cite web |title=Core Module Tianhe Launch a Complete Success -- Construction of China Space Station in Full Swing |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/news/202105/t20210528_48002.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=30 April 2021 |archive-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726004109/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/news/202105/t20210528_48002.html |url-status=live }}

On 29 April 2021, the second Long March 5B rocket lifted off from Wenchang, carrying the {{cvt|22500|kg|lb}} Tianhe core module, the most complex spacecraft independently developed by China. The core module entered the predetermined orbit about 494 seconds after launch, marking the start of the in-orbit construction of China's space station.

On 29 May 2021, Tianzhou 2, the first cargo spacecraft to the space station, was launched by a Long March 7 rocket and docked with Tianhe core module 8 hours later.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Tianzhou-2 docks with China's space station module |url=https://spacenews.com/tianzhou-2-docks-with-chinas-space-station-module/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=29 May 2021}} The shipment included astronaut supplies, space station equipment, extravehicular space suits and propellant.{{cite web |title=天舟二号货运飞船与天和核心舱完成自主快速交会对接 |url=http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/zhxw/202105/t20210530_48048.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=2021-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713055839/http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/zhxw/202105/t20210530_48048.html |archive-date=2021-07-13 |date=2021-05-29 |url-status=live |language=zh}}

The first crewed mission to Tianhe, Shenzhou 12, was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on 17 June 2021. The spacecraft conducted China's first crewed autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking 6 hours 32 minutes after launch.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Shenzhou-12 docks with Tianhe space station module |url=https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-12-docks-with-tianhe-space-station-module/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=17 June 2021}} Three crew members, Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, became the first inhabitants of Tiangong Space Station.

At 00:11 UTC on 4 July 2021, two of the Shenzhou 12 crew members, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, conducted the first EVA on the space station, which lasted for 6 hours 46 minutes, breaking the previous 20-minute EVA record made during Shenzhou 7 mission in 2008 by a huge margin.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Astronauts complete first Chinese space station spacewalk |url=https://spacenews.com/astronauts-complete-first-chinese-space-station-spacewalk/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=26 July 2021 |date=4 July 2021}}

The Shenzhou 12 crew returned to Earth safely on 17 September 2021.{{cite web |title=China brings astronauts back, advances closer to "space station era" |url=http://www.news.cn/english/2021-09/17/c_1310193742.htm |publisher=Xinhua Net |access-date=17 September 2021 |date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917102112/http://www.news.cn/english/2021-09/17/c_1310193742.htm |url-status=live }}

On 20 September 2021, Tianzhou 3 cargo spacecraft was launched to Tiangong Space Station.{{cite web |last1=Navin |first1=Joseph |title=Tianzhou-3 cargo craft launches to the Chinese Space Station |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/09/tianzhou-3-cargo-launches/ |website=NASA Spaceflight |date=20 September 2021 |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921121217/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/09/tianzhou-3-cargo-launches/ |url-status=live }}

On 15 October 2021, Shenzhou 13 was launched and docked with the Tianhe core module 6.5 hours later. The plan was for the crew, including Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, to complete a six-month stay, the longest one since the beginning of the program.{{cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/10/shenzhou-13-launch/ |title=Shenzhou 13 launch first long-duration Chinese Space Station crew |work=NASASpaceFlight.com |date=15 October 2021 |access-date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=15 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015145508/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/10/shenzhou-13-launch/ |url-status=live }} About three weeks later, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping completed the crew's first EVA on 7 November 2021, making Wang the first Chinese female astronaut to perform an EVA.{{cite news |title=China's Shenzhou-13 taikonauts complete first extravehicular mission |url=http://www.news.cn/english/2021-11/08/c_1310296779.htm |access-date=7 November 2021 |agency=Xinhua News |date=7 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108164615/http://www.news.cn/english/2021-11/08/c_1310296779.htm |url-status=live }}

At 07:59 UTC on 27 March 2022, the Tianzhou 2 cargo spacecraft was undocked from the Tianhe core module after completing its mission,{{cite web |title=天舟二号货运飞船已撤离空间站核心舱组合体 |url=http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/202203/t20220327_49442.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=6 April 2022 |language=zh |date=27 March 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327101140/http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/202203/t20220327_49442.html |url-status=live }} followed by its controlled reentry into the atmosphere over the south Pacific on 31 March 2022.{{cite web |title=天舟二号货运飞船受控再入大气层任务顺利完成 |url=http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/202203/t20220331_49453.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=6 April 2022 |language=zh |date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331115056/http://www.cmse.gov.cn/xwzx/202203/t20220331_49453.html |url-status=live }} The Shenzhou 13 crew returned to Earth safely on 16 April 2022.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Shenzhou-13 astronauts return to Earth after 182-day mission|date=16 April 2022 |url=https://spacenews.com/shenzhou-13-astronauts-return-to-earth-after-182-day-mission/|publisher=SpaceNews|access-date=16 April 2022}}

File:神舟十四号航天员 Shenzhou 14 crew.jpg, Chen Dong and Liu Yang ]]

File:Rear view of Tiangong Space Station.jpg ahead of docking.]]

File:First gathering on Tiangong.jpg

Following the conclusion of phase 1, 6 more missions will be conducted to implement phase 2, including launches of 2 laboratory modules of Tiangong, 2 cargo spacecraft and 2 crewed spacecraft. All these missions are scheduled to be carried out by the end of 2022.{{cite web |title=空间站天和核心舱飞行任务新闻发布会召开 |url=http://www.cmse.gov.cn/ztbd/xwfbh/202106/t20210622_48281.html |website=China Manned Space |access-date=2021-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713065620/http://www.cmse.gov.cn/ztbd/xwfbh/202106/t20210622_48281.html |archive-date=2021-07-13 |date=2021-04-29 |url-status=live |language=zh}}

On 9 May 2022, Tianzhou 4 cargo spacecraft was launched to Tiangong Space Station,{{cite web|title=China launches Tianzhou 4 cargo craft to new Tiangong space station|date=9 May 2022|url=https://www.space.com/china-launches-tianzhou4-spacecraft-tiangong-space-station|publisher=Space.com|access-date=May 10, 2022|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528203053/https://www.space.com/china-launches-tianzhou4-spacecraft-tiangong-space-station|url-status=live}} which docked with the station the next day.

On 5 June 2022, Shenzhou 14 was launched and docked to the Tianhe core module almost 7 hours later. The crew, including Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe, spent six months on the space station during this very first crewed mission of the construction phase.{{Cite web |author=Helen Regan and Yong Xiong |title=China launches third crewed mission to new space station |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/04/china/space-mission-shenzhou-14-crewed-launch-intl-hnk-scn/index.html |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=CNN |date=5 June 2022 |archive-date=2022-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605032940/https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/04/china/space-mission-shenzhou-14-crewed-launch-intl-hnk-scn/index.html |url-status=live }}

On 17 July 2022 at 02:59 UTC, Tianzhou 3 cargo spacecraft was undocked from the Tianhe core module after completing its mission.{{cite web|title=Tianzhou 3 cargo ship undocks from China's Tiangong space station|date=19 July 2022|url=https://www.space.com/tianzhou-3-cargo-ship-undocks-tiangong-station|publisher=Space.com|access-date=22 July 2022|archive-date=19 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119150058/https://www.space.com/tianzhou-3-cargo-ship-undocks-tiangong-station|url-status=live}}

On 24 July 2022, the third Long March 5B rocket lifted off from Wenchang, carrying the {{cvt|23200|kg|lb}} Wentian laboratory cabin module, the largest and heaviest spacecraft launched by China. The module docked with the space station less than 20 hours later, adding the second module and the first laboratory module to it.{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=Second module docks at China's space station, large rocket stage tracked in orbit |url=https://spacenews.com/second-module-docks-at-chinas-space-station-large-rocket-stage-tracked-in-orbit/ |website=SpaceNews |date=24 July 2022 |access-date=26 July 2022}}

At 10:26 UTC on 1 September 2022, two of the Shenzhou 14 crew members, Chen Dong and Liu Yang, conducted the first EVA from the Wentian module's airlock, which lasted 6 hours 7 minutes.{{cite web|title=China's Shenzhou 14 astronauts perform 1st spacewalk out of new module (video)|date=2 September 2022|url=https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-from-new-module|publisher=Space.com|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=13 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913051850/https://www.space.com/china-astronauts-spacewalk-from-new-module|url-status=live}} About two weeks later, on 17 September 2022, at 05:35 UTC, the second spacewalk carried out by Chen Dong and Cai Xuzhe through the airlock of the Wentian lab module, with Liu Yang assisting the pair from inside the Tianhe core module.{{cite web|title=Chinese astronauts take 4-hour spacewalk outside new lab at Tiangong space station|url=https://www.space.com/chinese-astronauts-tiangong-space-station-wentian-spacewalk-september-2022|last=Howell|first=Elizabeth|publisher=Space.com|date=17 September 2022|access-date=17 September 2022|archive-date=17 September 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220917224659/https://www.space.com/chinese-astronauts-tiangong-space-station-wentian-spacewalk-september-2022|url-status=live}}

On 31 October 2022, the fourth Long March 5B rocket lifted off from Wenchang, carrying the {{cvt|23200|kg|lb}} Mengtian laboratory cabin module. The module docked with the space station less than 13 hours later, adding the third module and the second laboratory module to it.{{Cite web |title=China launches lab module Mengtian as space station approaches completion- China.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2022-10/31/content_78494902.htm |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=www.china.org.cn |archive-date=2022-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101035612/http://www.china.org.cn/china/2022-10/31/content_78494902.htm |url-status=live }} On 3 November 2022, the 'T-shape' Tiangong space station was formed with the transpositioning of the last module.{{cite magazine|title=China Is Now a Major Space Power|magazine=Wired|url=https://www.wired.com/story/china-is-now-a-major-space-power-tiangong-space-station/|access-date=4 November 2022|last1=Skibba|first1=Ramin|archive-date=4 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104120512/https://www.wired.com/story/china-is-now-a-major-space-power-tiangong-space-station/|url-status=live}}

On 9 November 2022 at 06:55 UTC, Tianzhou 4 cargo spacecraft was undocked from the Tianhe core module after completing its mission.

On 12 November 2022, Tianzhou 5 cargo spacecraft was launched to Tiangong Space Station and docked after 2 hours and 7 minutes, breaking the world record for the fastest rendezvous and docking between a spacecraft and a space station.{{cite web|title=China sends up cargo to space station to resupply for next manned mission|date=12 November 2022|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3199398/china-sends-cargo-space-station-resupply-next-manned-mission|publisher=South China Morning Post|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112135207/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3199398/china-sends-cargo-space-station-resupply-next-manned-mission|url-status=live}}

On 17 November 2022 at 03:16 UTC, the third spacewalk was carried out, again by Chen Dong and Cai Xuzhe through the airlock of the Wentian lab module, with Liu Yang assisting the pair from inside the Tianhe core module.

On 29 November 2022 at 15:08 UTC, Shenzhou 15 launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center; the spacecraft docked with the space station about 6 and one-half hours later at 21:42 UTC. Astronauts Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming, and Zhang Lu (the Shenzhou 15 crew) were greeted by the Shenzhou 14 crew, completing the first crew handover on the China space station.{{Cite web |author=Stephen Clark |title=Chinese astronauts meet in space for historic crew handover |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/29/chinese-astronauts-meet-in-space-for-historic-crew-handover |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=Spaceflight Now |date=29 November 2022 |archive-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201195514/https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/29/chinese-astronauts-meet-in-space-for-historic-crew-handover/ |url-status=live }}

With the completion of construction, the Space Station began the application and permanently crewed phase in which crew rotations would become routine. The station is expected to operate in orbit for no less than 10 years, and perhaps up to 15 years, until 2038.{{cite web|title=China successfully launches first module of planned space station|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/29/world/iss-future-china-space-station-russia-us-intl-scn/index.html|website=cnn.com|date=29 April 2021|access-date=29 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429073803/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/29/world/iss-future-china-space-station-russia-us-intl-scn/index.html|url-status=live}}

File:Shenzhou astronauts' food.jpg

File:Feitian space suit at NMC 02.jpg]]

File:Shenzhou spacecraft assembly.jpg was the first crewed spacecraft of China.]]

China Manned Space Program is composed of 14 systems, with more than one thousand units from various sectors involved.{{cite web |title=Constitutes |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/constitutes/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502114821/http://en.cmse.gov.cn/constitutes/ |archive-date=2 May 2021}}

The 14 systems (plus four more systems currently under development) and their main objectives are:

Astronaut System

Ensuring the health and performance of astronauts during long-term space flight

Space Application System

Making use of the on-board application support capacity to enable space science experiments and investigations.

Manned Spacecraft System (initial)

{{Main|Shenzhou spacecraft}}

Development of Shenzhou series crewed spacecraft used for transporting humans into space and back.

Space Laboratory System

{{Main|Tiangong 1|Tiangong 2}}

Development of two prototypes of future space station, Tiangong 1 and Tiangong 2, for the purpose of technology demonstrations.

Permanently-Crewed Space Station

{{Main|Tiangong space station}}

Development of a permanently-crewed long-term modular space station. The station is designed to allow the long-term study of astronomical, biological, and physical phenomena in low Earth orbit.

Long March 2F

{{Main|Long March 2F}}

Development of Long March 2F, the human-rated carrier rocket used to launch Shenzhou spacecraft and space laboratories.

Long March 5B

{{Main|Long March 5B}}

Development of Long March 5B carrier rocket, which is responsible for carrying space station modules for the construction of Tiangong Space Station.

Long March 7

{{Main|Long March 7}}

Development of Long March 7 carrier rocket designed for Tianzhou cargo spacecraft launching.

Long March 10

{{Main|Long March 10}}

Development of the Long March 10 carrier rocket is currently underway. It is designed to launch crewed spacecraft to the Moon by the year 2030.

Long March 10A

{{Main|Long March 10}}

Development of the Long March 10A is currently underway. It is designed to launch a new generation of crewed spacecraft to low Earth orbits. The first stage of this launcher will be recoverable and reusable; its first flight is anticipated to occur in 2027.

Mengzhou crewed spacecraft

{{Main|Mengzhou (spacecraft)}}

Development of the next-generation crewed spacecraft is currently underway. It is designed to carry up to seven crew members to LEOs and three crew members to lunar orbit.

Lanyue crewed lunar lander

{{Main|Lanyue}}

Development of the crewed lunar lander is currently underway. It is designed to carry two astronauts to the lunar surface and to ferry them back to lunar orbit after a period of time.

Jiuquan Launch Center

{{Main|Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center}}

Carrying out launch missions for crewed spaceship and space laboratory.

Wenchang Space Launch Site

{{Main|Wenchang Space Launch Site}}

Carrying out the launching of Tiangong space station modules and Tianzhou cargo spaceships.

TT&C and Communications System

Measuring, monitoring and controlling the flight path, altitude and operating status of the rockets and spacecraft, providing channels for video and voice communications with the astronauts and sending scientific data back to Earth.

Landing Site System

Tracking, searching and locating the landed re-entry capsules, rescuing the astronauts and refurbishing and recycling the re-entry capsules and payloads.

Cargo Vehicle System

{{Main|Tianzhou (spacecraft)}}

Research and development of Tianzhou cargo vehicle.

Optical Module

Research and development of optical facilities and optical platforms.

; Mission types：

{{legend|LightGray|Launch vehicle test flight|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|Khaki|Shenzhou spacecraft (uncrewed)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|Gold|Shenzhou spacecraft (crewed)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|SkyBlue|Space station testbed |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|CornflowerBlue|Space station module |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend|LightCoral|Cargo spacecraft |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{See also|List of human spaceflights in Tiangong Program}}

{{Main list|List of human spaceflights in Tiangong Program|List of human spaceflights to the Tiangong space station}}

The list below includes all missions operated by CMS, including crewed and uncrewed spacecraft, cargo spaceships, launch vehicle test flights and space station modules.

{{sticky header}}

{{Main list|List of Chinese astronauts}}

There were two astronaut trainers selected for Project 921. They trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia.

1. Li Qinglong – born August 1962 in Dingyuan, Anhui Province and PLAAF interceptor pilot and space instructor at Star City
2. Wu Jie – born October 1963 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province and PLAAF fighter pilot

1. Chen Quan – PLAAF pilot
2. Deng Qingming – from Jiangxi Province and PLAAF pilot, back up on Shenzhou 11, flew on Shenzhou 15
3. Fei Junlong – second Chinese astronaut, commander of Shenzhou 6 and Shenzhou 15
4. Jing Haipeng – born October 1966 and PLAAF pilot, astronaut of Shenzhou 7, Shenzhou 9, Shenzhou 11 and Shenzhou 16
5. Liu Boming – born September 1966 and PLAAF pilot, astronaut of Shenzhou 7 and Shenzhou 12
6. Liu Wang – born in Shanxi Province and PLAAF pilot, flew on Shenzhou 9
7. Nie Haisheng – back up in Shenzhou 5, flight engineer on Shenzhou 6, commander of Shenzhou 10 and Shenzhou 12
8. Pan Zhanchun – PLAAF pilot
9. Yang Liwei – first man sent into space by the space program of China on Shenzhou 5, made the PRC the third country to independently send people into space
10. Zhai Zhigang – back up in Shenzhou 5, commander of Shenzhou 7 and Shenzhou 13
11. Zhang Xiaoguang – born in Liaoning Province and PLAAF pilot, flew on Shenzhou 10
12. Zhao Chuandong – PLAAF pilot

1. Cai Xuzhe – flew on Shenzhou 14 and Shenzhou 19
2. Chen Dong – flew on Shenzhou 11, Shenzhou 14 and Shenzhou 20
3. Liu Yang – first Chinese woman in space, flew on Shenzhou 9 and Shenzhou 14
4. Tang Hongbo – flew on Shenzhou 12 and Shenzhou 17
5. Wang Yaping – second Chinese woman in space, flew on Shenzhou 10 and Shenzhou 13
6. Ye Guangfu – flew on Shenzhou 13 and Shenzhou 18
7. Zhang Lu – flew on Shenzhou 15

18 people - 17 men, 1 woman, 12 of whose names have yet to be revealed - had been selected as new astronauts. The positions were broken down as 7 spacecraft pilots ("aviators of the People's Liberation Army Air Force"), 7 flight engineers ("former researchers or technicians in aeronautics, astronautics and other related fields"), and 4 mission payload specialists ("those involved in space science and through applications for China's manned space program").{{cite web |last1=Lei |first1=Zhao |title=18 picked for nation's 3rd generation of astronauts |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202010/01/WS5f75405fa31024ad0ba7cf78.html |publisher=China Daily |access-date=9 October 2020 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401160938/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202010/01/WS5f75405fa31024ad0ba7cf78.html |url-status=live }}

1. Zhu Yangzhu - flew on Shenzhou 16 as spaceflight engineer
2. Gui Haichao - flew on Shenzhou 16 as payload specialist
3. Jiang Xinlin - flew on Shenzhou 17 as spaceflight engineer
4. Tang Shengjie - flew on Shenzhou 17 as pilot
5. Li Cong - flew on Shenzhou 18 as spaceflight engineer
6. Li Guangsu - flew on Shenzhou 18 as pilot
7. Song Lingdong - flew on Shenzhou 19 as pilot
8. Wang Haoze - third Chinese woman in space, flew on Shenzhou 19 as spaceflight engineer
9. Chen Zhongrui - flew on Shenzhou 20 as pilot
10. Wang Jie - flew on Shenzhou 20 as spaceflight engineer

CMSA began selecting a fourth batch of astronauts in 2022. The agency had expected to select 7-8 spacecraft pilots ("aviators of the People's Liberation Army Air Force") and 5-6 spaceflight engineers ("former researchers or technicians in aeronautics, astronautics and other related fields"). Up to two of the latter group will become payload specialists ("those involved in space science and through applications for China's manned space program"). Candidacy was extended to include Hong Kong and Macau.{{cite web|title=China begins recruitment for 4th batch of astronauts|date=4 October 2022|url=https://www.space.com/china-recruiting-fourth-batch-astronauts|publisher=Space.com|access-date=4 March 2023|archive-date=3 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303145300/https://www.space.com/china-recruiting-fourth-batch-astronauts|url-status=live}}

On 11 June 2024, CMSA announced that 10 new astronauts were selected after the completion of the 2022 selection process. 8 of the 10 new astronauts are pilots while the remaining 2 are payload specialists. Notably, the two new payload specialists are China’s first astronauts from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions; in addition, the payload specialist from Hong Kong SAR is female.{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Andrew |title=China selects new batch of astronauts with an eye on the moon |date=11 June 2024 |url=https://spacenews.com/china-selects-new-batch-of-astronauts-with-an-eye-on-the-moon/ |publisher=spacenews.com |access-date=29 October 2024}} The new astronauts will undergo two years of basic training for space station missions as well as for crewed lunar missions.{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Andrew |title=China selects 2 proposals for crewed moon rover |date=29 October 2024 |url=https://spacenews.com/china-selects-2-proposals-for-crewed-moon-rover/ |publisher=spacenews.com |access-date=29 October 2024}}

File:Sea survival training China 382718.jpg astronaut Matthias Maurer undergoing sea survival training in China, 2017]]

File:Sea survival training China 382728.jpg on the Shenzhou training capsule]]

In November 2011, the China National Space Administration and the Italian Space Agency signed an initial cooperative agreement, covering areas of collaboration within space transportation, telecommunications, Earth observation, and so on.{{cite web |url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/11/23/will-italy-build-modules-for-future-chinese-space-stations/ |title=Will Italy Build Modules for Future Chinese Space Stations? |website=parabolicarc |date=23 November 2011 |first=Doug |last=Messier |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108184544/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2011/11/23/will-italy-build-modules-for-future-chinese-space-stations/ |url-status=live}}

In 2016, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) signed a Framework Agreement and a Funding Agreement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to increase cooperation on a future Chinese space station.{{cite web |title=United Nations and China agree to increased space cooperation |url=https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/informationfor/media/2016-unis-os-468.html |website=United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712070151/https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/informationfor/media/2016-unis-os-468.html |archive-date=12 July 2021 |format=16 June 2016 |url-status=live}}

On 22 February 2017, the CMSA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) signed an agreement to cooperate on long-term human spaceflight activities.{{cite web |url=https://gbtimes.com/china-and-italy-cooperate-long-term-human-spaceflight|title=China and Italy to cooperate on long-term human spaceflight|date=22 February 2017|access-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210915/https://gbtimes.com/china-and-italy-cooperate-long-term-human-spaceflight|archive-date=16 February 2018}} The agreement holds importance due to Italy's leading position in the field of human spaceflight with regards to the creation and exploitation of the International Space Station (Node 2, Node 3, Columbus, Cupola, Leonardo, Raffaello, Donatello, PMM, etc.) and it signified Italy's increased anticipation in China's developing space station programme.{{cite web |url=https://www.asi.it/en/news/agreement-italy-china|title=Agreement Italy-China|date=22 February 2017 |access-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070757/https://www.asi.it/en/news/agreement-italy-china}} The European Space Agency (ESA) started human spaceflight training with CMSA in 2017, with the ultimate goal of sending ESA astronauts to Tiangong.{{cite web |title=ESA and Chinese astronauts train together |url=https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/ESA_and_Chinese_astronauts_train_together |website=European Space Agency |date=24 August 2017 |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=2 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702073545/https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/ESA_and_Chinese_astronauts_train_together |url-status=live}} To prepare for the future missions, selected ESA astronauts lived together with their Chinese counterparts and engaged in training sessions such as splashes-down survival, language learning, and spacecraft operations.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180626-why-europes-astronauts-are-learning-chinese |title=Why Europe's astronauts are learning Chinese |publisher=BBC International |date=27 June 2018 |first=Richard |last=Hollingham |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113155759/https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180626-why-europes-astronauts-are-learning-chinese |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2167084/europes-astronauts-learning-mandarin-future-china-collaboration |title=Europe's astronauts learning Mandarin for future China collaboration |website=South China Morning Post |date=5 October 2018 |first=Laurie |last=Chen |access-date=5 November 2022 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105195038/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2167084/europes-astronauts-learning-mandarin-future-china-collaboration |url-status=live}} However, in January 2023, ESA announced that the agency will not send its astronauts to China's space station due to political and financial reasons.{{cite news |last1=Andrew Jones |first1=Andrew Jones |title=ESA is no longer planning to send astronauts to China's Tiangong space station |url=https://spacenews.com/esa-is-no-longer-planning-to-send-astronauts-to-chinas-tiangong-space-station/ |access-date=27 January 2023 |publisher=Space News |date=25 January 2023}}

On 28 May 2018, UNOOSA and CMSA announced an initiative to accept applications from United Nations Member States to conduct experiments onboard China's space station.{{cite web |title=United Nations and China invite applications to conduct experiments on-board China's Space Station |url=http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2018/unisos496.html |website=United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs |access-date=11 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603091828/http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2018/unisos496.html |archive-date=3 June 2018 |date=28 May 2018 |language=en |url-status=dead}}

On 12 June 2019, the winners of the competition were announced. 9 projects, involving 23 institutions from 17 Member States of the United Nations, were selected by experts.{{cite web |title=UNOOSA and CMSA announce winners of opportunity to fly experiments on board China Space Station |url=https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/informationfor/media/2019-unis-os-514.html |website=United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216110324/http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/informationfor/media/2019-unis-os-514.html |archive-date=16 February 2020 |access-date=11 July 2021 |date=12 June 2019 |url-status=live |language=en }}

{{Portal|China|Spaceflight}}

• Tiangong Space Station
• Tiangong program
• Space program of China
• China Manned Space Agency

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite web |url = http://www.astronautix.com/craft/shenzhou.htm |title = Shenzhou |access-date = 21 July 2005 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051013060037/http://www.astronautix.com/craft/shenzhou.htm |archive-date = 13 October 2005 }}
• {{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2829349.stm |title = China's first astronaut revealed |publisher = BBC |date = 7 March 2003 |access-date = 11 November 2007 |archive-date = 27 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201027225057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2829349.stm |url-status = live }}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.cns.miis.edu/pubs/week/031006.htm |title = Brief history of Russian aid to Chinese space program |access-date = 7 June 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070408034953/http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/week/031006.htm |archive-date = 8 April 2007 }}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.space.com/news/china_russia_991122.html |title = Details on purchase of Soyuz descent capsule by China |website = Space.com |access-date = 7 June 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080602014951/http://www.space.com/news/china_russia_991122.html |archive-date = 2 June 2008 }}

{{refend}}

• {{Official website}}

{{commons|Shenzhou}}{{Shenzhou program|before=Shenzhou 11|after=Shenzhou 13}}

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{{Future spaceflights}}

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{{Spaceflight lists and timelines}}

{{Politics of outer space}}

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Category:Crewed spacecraft

Category:Human spaceflight programs

Category:Space program of the People's Republic of China

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