Shenzhou-5
Long March 2F
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Crew
Yang Liwei
- Birthday: 06/21/1965
- Role: Commander
- Nationality: Chinese
- First Flight: 10/15/2003
- Last Flight: 10/15/2003
Yang Liwei is a major general, military pilot, and China National Space Administration astronaut. In October 2003, he became the first person sent into space by the Chinese space program. This mission, Shenzhou 5, made China the third country to independently send humans into space.
Mission
Shenzhou-5
- Type: Human Exploration
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
This is the first crewed mission for China’s Shenzhou program. Launched in 15 October, it carried the only astronaut aborad, Yang Liwei, on an 21 hour flight. Shenzhou 5 completed 14 orbits, followed by a safe landing back on Earth on the evening of 15 October.
Location
Launch Area 4 (SLS-1 / 921)
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China
Launch Area 4 (SLS-1 / 921) has witnessed the launch of 22 rockets, including 22 orbital launch attempts, while Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China, has been the site for 222 rocket launches.
Rocket
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 2F
The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Agency
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
