Shenzhou

The Shenzhou spacecraft resembles the Soyuz, although it is longer, with a larger habitable volume. It features a powered service module like the Soyuz, and prior to Shenzhou 8 its orbital module was capable of autonomous flight.

The aft service module contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of Shenzhou.

• Height: 9.25 m
• Diameter: 2.8 m
• Human Rated: Yes
• Maiden Flight: 11/19/1999
• Crew Capacity: 3
• Flight Life: 200 day design life.
• Spacecraft Flown: 23
• Total Launches: 23
• Successful Launches: 23
• Attempted Landings: 22
• Successful Landings: 21
• Failed Landings: 1

History

Shenzhou is a spacecraft used to support the Chinese manned spaceflight program and to carry crew to the Tiangong Space Station. Its design resembles the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, but it is larger in size and all-new in construction. The first launch was on November 19, 1999 and the first manned launch was on October 15, 2003.

Agency

China National Space Administration

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is the national space agency of the People's Republic of China. It is responsible for the national space program and for planning and development of space activities. CNSA and China Aerospace Corporation (CASC) assumed the authority over space development efforts previously held by the Ministry of Aerospace Industry. The CNSA has many launch sites around China with their orbital sites located in Jiuquan, Xichang, Taiyuan and Wenchang.