View source for Astronomy:China Manned Space Program

{{Short description|Spaceflight programme in China}}
{{Infobox space program
| name            = China Manned Space Program
| image           = CMS Program logo.png
| image_size      = 250px
| alt             = 
| caption         = Logo of CMS in the shape of a space station, or the Chinese character "中" as in "中国" (China).
| country         = {{CHN}}
| organization    = China Manned Space Agency
| purpose         = [[Astronomy:Human spaceflight|Human spaceflight]]
| cost            = 
| status          = Active
| duration        = 21 September 1992–
| firstflight     = Shenzhou 1<br/>{{start date and age|df=yes|1999|11|19}}
| firstcrewed     = [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]]<br/>{{start date and age|df=yes|2003|10|15}}
| lastflight      = Tianzhou 7<br/>{{start date and age|df=yes|2024|1|17}}
| successes       = 29
| failures        = 0
| partialfailures = 
| launchsite      = Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center<br />Wenchang Space Launch Site
| crewvehicle     = Shenzhou spacecraft
| uncrewvehicle   = [[Engineering:Tianzhou (spacecraft)|Tianzhou cargo spacecraft]]
| capacity        = 3
| launcher        = [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]]<br />[[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]]<br />Long March 5B
| native_name_r   = Zhōngguó Zàirén Hángtiān Gōngchéng
| native_name_a   = 中国载人航天工程
}}

The '''China Manned Space Program''' ('''CMS'''; {{zh|s=中国载人航天工程|p=Zhōngguó Zàirén Hángtiān Gōngchéng}}), also known as '''Project 921''' ({{zh|s=九二一工程|p=Jiǔèryī Gōngchéng}}) is a space program developed by the {{wipe|China}} and run by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) under the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, designed to develop and enhance [[Astronomy:Human spaceflight|human spaceflight]] capabilities for China. It was approved on 21 September 1992 and has been in operation ever since. The ''CMS'' commander and director are currently Xu Xueqiang and Zhou Jianping respectively; the latter has held this position since 2006, after taking over from Wang Yongzhi, who served as the first director from 1992 to 2006.

As one of the most complex programs within the Chinese space agency, CMS was split into "three steps", or three phases, which can be summarized as follows:<ref name="CSShandbook">{{cite web |title=Handbook on China Space Station |url=https://www.unoosa.org/documents/doc/psa/hsti/CSS_1stAO/CSS_1stAO_Handbook_2018.pdf |access-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428225535/https://www.unoosa.org/documents/doc/psa/hsti/CSS_1stAO/CSS_1stAO_Handbook_2018.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

# Crewed spacecraft launch and return.
# Space laboratory (with capabilities of extravehicular activities), spacecraft rendezvous and docking procedures.
# Long-term modular space station.

On 29 November 2022, with the launch and docking of ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]]'' with the Tiangong space station, the CMSA successfully completed all three of the above steps, thereby making China the third nation to achieve human spaceflight (after the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States), as well as the second nation to operate a single-nation modular space station (after the Soviet Union/Russia's [[Astronomy:Mir|Mir]]).

== History ==
[[File:Satellite FSW cropped.jpg|180px|thumb|Mockup of FSW satellite]]

The formal research of China's human spaceflight began in 1968. An institute for medical and space engineering was founded in Beijing.<ref name="timeline">{{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 }}</ref> It was the predecessor of China Astronaut Research and Training Center, at which China's astronauts are trained in the following decades. Before that, in 1964, China launched a [[Engineering:Sounding rocket|sounding rocket]], carrying several small animals to an altitude of 70&nbsp;km as an attempt to study the effects of spaceflight on living creatures.<ref name="timeline"/>

On 24 April 1970, China launched its first satellite, [[Engineering:Dong Fang Hong I|Dong Fang Hong I]] into orbit. In 1970, [[Biography:Qian Xuesen|Qian Xuesen]], the father of China's space program, introduced his human spaceflight project, which was later called ''Project 714''. An early version of crewed spacecraft called [[Engineering:Shuguang (spacecraft)|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.<ref name="futron2003">https://web.archive.org/web/20120419165427/http://www.futron.com/upload/wysiwyg/Resources/Whitepapers/China_n_%20Second_Space_Age_1003.pdf - 5 May 2020</ref>

In order to gain relative experience, China launched and recover the first Fanhui Shi Weixing, a recoverable satellite, on 26 November 1975.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The success of the mission demonstrated China's capabilities of controlled [[Astronomy:Atmospheric entry|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.<ref name="code">{{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 }}</ref>

The Chinese human spaceflight program, namely the China Manned Space Program, was formally approved on September 21, 1992, by the Standing Committee of Politburo as Project 921,<ref name="CMSP">{{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}}</ref> with work beginning on 1 January 1993. The initial plan has three steps:<ref name="CSShandbook"/>

# First Step: Launch a crewed spaceship with the aim of building up the fundamental capability in human space exploration and space experiments.
# 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.
# 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 is led by a chief commander and a chief designer, who handle administrative and technical issues respectively. A joint meeting between these two is responsible for making decisions on important issues during the implementation of the project.<ref name="CMSP"/> 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 [[Engineering:Soyuz (spacecraft)|Soyuz]] capsules, life support systems, docking systems, and space suits. In 1996, two Chinese astronauts, Wu Jie and Li Qinglong, began training at the [[Company:Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center|Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center]] in {{wipe|Russia}}. After training, these men returned to {{wipe|China}} and proceeded to train other Chinese astronauts at sites near [[Place:Beijing|Beijing]] and Jiuquan.<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref>

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 [[Place:Inner Mongolia|Inner Mongolia]], and in the spring of 1998, a mock-up of the [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] launch vehicle with Shenzhou spacecraft was rolled out for integration and facility tests.<ref name=":1" />

==Development==

=== First Step ===

[[File:Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center with sign.jpg|thumb|right|Launch pad dedicated to CMS launches in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center]]
[[File:Shenzhou-5 return capsule and space suit at NMC 02.jpg|thumb|right|Shenzhou 5 return capsule and spaces suit displayed in the National Museum of China.]]
The development of [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]], China's first human-rated launch vehicle, began in September 1992.<ref name="feitianlu">{{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}}</ref> It was derived from the [[Engineering:Long March 2E|Long March 2E]], but with a [[Astronomy:Launch escape system|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.<ref name="feitianlu"/>

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.<ref name="shenzhou">{{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}}</ref>

In January 1998, 14 pilots were selected as the first batch of Chinese astronaut candidates.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In November 1998, a new flight control center, Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, was opened to support CMS missions.<ref name=shenzhou/> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="shenzhou"/> The return capsule of the spacecraft successfully separated with other parts and landed intact in [[Place:Inner Mongolia|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="shenzhou"/>

The fifth launch, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]]'', was the first to carry a human (Yang Liwei) and occurred at 01:00:00 UTC on 15 October 2003.<ref name="Trajectory">{{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}}</ref> 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&nbsp;km and the apogee height of 347.8&nbsp;km.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 6|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

=== Second Step ===

The goal of the Second Step of CMS was to make technology breakthroughs in extravehicular activities (EVA) as well as [[Astronomy:Space rendezvous|space rendezvous]] and [[Engineering:Docking and berthing of spacecraft|docking]] to support short-term human activities in space.<ref name="aboutCMS">{{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 }}</ref> To complete the goal, China launched multiple crewed and uncrewed missions, including two prototypes of China's space station.

====Phase 1: EVA, space rendezvous and docking====

[[File:Shenzhou 7 EVA (1).png|thumb|right|First spacewalk by Chinese astronaut during Shenzhou 7 mission]]

On 25 September 2008, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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 [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Tiangong I |url=http://en.cmse.gov.cn/missions/tiangong/ |website=China Manned Space |access-date=25 July 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> About 9 months later, ''Tiangong 1'' completed the first manual rendezvous and docking with ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 9|Shenzhou 9]]'', a crewed spacecraft carrying Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and China's first female astronaut Liu Yang.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

On 11 June 2013, crewed spacecraft ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 10|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

====Phase 2: Space laboratory ====

[[File:Tianzhou-1 and Tiangong-2 rendering.jpg|thumb|alt=Rendering of Tianzhou-1 cargo spacecraft (left) and Tiangong-2 Space Laboratory (right) assembly in space|Rendering of Tianzhou-1 cargo spacecraft (left) and Tiangong-2 Space Laboratory (right) assembly in space]]
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 [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]], a new generation medium-lift launch vehicle with higher payload capability to [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|low Earth orbit]], from the newly built Wenchang Space Launch Site located in the coastal Hainan Province.<ref name="spacelab">{{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 }}</ref>

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, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|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.<ref name="spacelab"/>

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.<ref name="spacelab"/>

=== Third Step ===

[[File:Launch of Tianhe Core Module (Cropped).jpg|thumb|alt=Launch of ''Tianhe'' Core Module on 29 April 2021|Launch of ''Tianhe'' core module on 29 April 2021]]
[[File:Shenzhou-13_spacewalk.jpg|thumb|Astronaut Zhai Zhigang 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 is greater than {{cvt|22000|kg|lb}}, allowing China to put a large space station module into low Earth orbit.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The mission inaugurated the Third Step of CMS.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The Third Step aims to complete the construction of China's space station ''Tiangong''. It can be divided into two phases:<ref name="third step">{{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 }}</ref>

==== Phase 1: demonstration of key technologies ====

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.<ref name="third step"/>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The shipment included astronaut supplies, space station equipment, extravehicular space suits and propellant.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The first crewed mission to ''Tianhe'', ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 12|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Astronomy:Extravehicular activity|EVA]] on the space station, which lasted for 6 hours 46 minutes, breaking the previous 20-minute EVA record made during [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]] mission in 2008 by a huge margin.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The ''Shenzhou 12'' crew returned to Earth safely on 17 September 2021.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

On 20 September 2021, ''Tianzhou 3'' cargo spacecraft was launched to Tiangong Space Station.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

On 15 October 2021, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]]'' was launched and docked to ''Tianhe'' core module 6.5 hours later. The crew, including Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, planned to complete a six-month stay, the longest one since the beginning of the program.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> About three weeks later, Zhai Zhigang and Wang Yaping completed the crew's first [[Astronomy:Extravehicular activity|EVA]] on 7 November 2021, making Wang the first Chinese female astronaut to perform an EVA.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

At 07:59 UTC on 27 March 2022, ''Tianzhou 2'' cargo spacecraft was undocked from the ''Tianhe'' core module after completing its mission,<ref>{{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 }}</ref> followed by its controlled reentry to the atmosphere over the south Pacific Ocean on 31 March 2022.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The ''Shenzhou 13'' crew returned to Earth safely on 16 April 2022.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==== Phase 2: assembly and construction ====
[[File:神舟十四号航天员 Shenzhou 14 crew.jpg|thumb|alt=Shenzhou 14 crew|Shenzhou 14 crew Cai Xuzhe, Chen Dong and Liu Yang ]]
[[File:Rear view of Tiangong Space Station.jpg|thumb|alt=Rear view of Tiangong Space Station, taken by Tianzhou cargo spacecraft ahead of docking.|Rear view of completed Tiangong Space Station, taken by Tianzhou cargo spacecraft ahead of docking.]]
[[File:First gathering on Tiangong.jpg|thumb|alt=First gathering of two Chinese astronaut crews on Tiangong Space Station on November 30, 2022.|First gathering of two Chinese astronaut crews on Tiangong Space Station on 30 November  2022]]
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.<ref name="CSSplan">{{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}}</ref>

On 9 May 2022, ''Tianzhou 4'' cargo spacecraft was launched to Tiangong Space Station,<ref>{{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}}</ref> which docked with the station the next day.

On 5 June 2022, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 14|Shenzhou 14]]'' was launched and docked to ''Tianhe'' core module almost 7 hours later. The crew, including Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe, will spend six months on the space station during this very first crewed mission of the construction phase.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

On 17 July 2022 at 02:59 UTC, Tianzhou 3 cargo spacecraft was undocked from the Tianhe core module after completing its mission.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

At 10:26 UTC on 1 September 2022, two of the ''Shenzhou 14'' crew members, Chen Dong and Liu Yang, conducted the first [[Astronomy:Extravehicular activity|EVA]] from the ''Wentian'' module's airlock, which lasted for 6 hours 7 minutes.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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 to the space station in less than 13 hours later, adding the third module and the second laboratory module to it.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> On 3 November 2022, the 'T-shape' Tiangong space station was formed with the transpositioning of the last module.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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, ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|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 ''[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]]'' crew) were greeted by the Shenzhou 14 crew, completing the first crew handover on the China space station.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

With the completion of construction, the Space Station will enter 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,<ref name="CSSplan"/> and perhaps up to 15 years, until 2038.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Composition ==

[[File:Shenzhou astronauts' food.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Foods carried by Chinese astronauts.|Foods carried by Chinese astronauts]]
[[File:Feitian space suit at NMC 02.jpg|thumb|180px|Second generation of [[Engineering:Feitian space suit|Feitian space suit]]]]
[[File:Shenzhou spacecraft assembly.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Shenzhou 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="CSShandbook"/>

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)'''
Development of ''[[Engineering:Shenzhou (spacecraft)|Shenzhou]]'' series crewed spacecraft used for transporting humans into space and back.

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

'''Permanently-Crewed 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 [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|low Earth orbit]].

'''Long March 2F'''
{{Main|Engineering:Long March 2F}}
Development of [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]], the human-rated carrier rocket used to launch ''Shenzhou'' spacecraft and space laboratories.

'''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|Engineering:Long March 7}}
Development of [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] carrier rocket designed for ''[[Engineering:Tianzhou (spacecraft)|Tianzhou]]'' cargo spacecraft launching.

'''Long March 10'''
{{Main|Engineering:Long March 10}}
Development of the [[Engineering:Long March 10|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|Engineering:Long March 10}}
Development of the [[Engineering:Long March 10|Long March 10A]] is currently underway. It is designed to launch a new generation of crewed spacecraft to [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|low Earth orbit]]s. The first stage of this launcher will be recoverable and reusable; its first flight is anticipated to occur in 2027.

'''Next-generation crewed spacecraft'''
{{Main|Engineering:Next-generation crewed spacecraft}}
Development of the [[Engineering:Next-generation crewed spacecraft|next-generation crewed spacecraft]] is currently underway. It is designed to carry up to seven crew members to [[Astronomy:Low Earth orbit|LEO]]s and three crew members to lunar orbit.

'''Crewed lunar lander'''
{{Main|Engineering:Chinese crewed lunar lander}}
Development of the [[Engineering:Chinese crewed lunar lander|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'''
Carrying out launch missions for crewed spaceship and space laboratory.

'''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|Engineering:Tianzhou (spacecraft)}}
Research and development of ''Tianzhou'' cargo vehicle.

'''Optical Module'''

Research and development of optical facilities and optical platforms.

==Missions==

; 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}}

===Conducted missions===
The list below includes all missions operated by CMS, including crewed and uncrewed spacecraft, cargo spaceships, launch vehicle test flights and space station modules.
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" class="nowraplinks" style="margin: 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; text-align:center"
|- class="is-sticky"  style="background-color: #efefef;"
! Sequence<br/>No.!! Mission !! Launch !! Launch Vehicle !! Launch Site !! style="width:8em" | Duration !! Landing/Re-entry !! Landing/Re-entry<br/>Location !! style= "width: 150px"| Crew !! Outcome !! style= "width: 300px"| Notes
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ First Step ↓'''
|- style="background:Khaki;"
|1|| Shenzhou 1 || 19 November 1999 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 21 h 11 m || 20 November 1999 || Dorbod Banner || (uncrewed) || {{success}}
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First mission of CMS. Uncrewed test flight of ''Shenzhou'' spacecraft and Long March 2F rocket.
|-  style="background:Khaki;"
|2|| Shenzhou 2 || 9 January 2001 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 7 d 10 h 22 m || 16 January 2001 || Dorbod Banner || (uncrewed) || {{partial success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Carried scientific payload including monkey, dog, rabbit and other animals.
|-  style="background:Khaki;"
|3|| Shenzhou 3 || 25 March 2002 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 6 d 18 h 51 m || 1 April 2002 || Dorbod Banner || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Carried a test dummy.
|-  style="background:Khaki;"
|4|| Shenzhou 4 || 29 December 2002 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 6 d 18 h 36 m || 5 January 2003 || Dorbod Banner || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Carried 2 test dummies and several science experiments.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|5|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]] || 15 October 2003 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 21 h 22 m 45 s
| 15 October 2003 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Yang Liwei || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First crewed spaceflight of China; flight completed 14 Earth orbits. With this flight, China became the third nation capable of independent human spaceflight, after Russia and the U.S.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|6|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 6|Shenzhou 6]] || 12 October 2005 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 4 d 19 h 33 m
| 16 October 2005 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Fei Junlong <br/> {{flagicon|China}} Nie Haisheng || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Multiple days in space, 75 orbits. 
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ Second Step, phase 1 ↓'''
|- style="background:Gold;"
|7|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]] || 25 September 2008 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 2 d 20 h 27 m
| 28 September 2008 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Zhai Zhigang<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Liu Boming<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Jing Haipeng || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First three-person crew, first Chinese spacewalk.
|- style="background:SkyBlue;"
|8|| Tiangong 1 || 29 September 2011 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || — || 2 April 2018 || [[Earth:Pacific Ocean|Southern Pacific]] || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Target vehicle for space rendezvous and docking testing.
|- style="background:Khaki;"
|9|| Shenzhou 8 || 31 October 2011 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 16 d 13 h 34 m || 17 November 2011 || Dorbod Banner || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Uncrewed mission, completed China's first space rendezvous and docking with Tiangong-1.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|10|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 9|Shenzhou 9]] || 16 June 2012 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 12 d 15 h 24 m
| 29 June 2012 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Jing Haipeng<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Liu Wang<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Liu Yang || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First Chinese woman in space; first repeated flight; first crewed docking with Tiangong-1.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|11|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 10|Shenzhou 10]] || 11 June 2013 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 14 d 14 h 29 m
| 26 June 2013 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Nie Haisheng<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Zhang Xiaoguang<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Wang Yaping || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Second Chinese woman in space, second crewed docking with Tiangong-1.
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ Second Step, phase 2 ↓'''
|- style="background:LightGray;"
|12 || style="white-space: nowrap;" | Long March 7<br/>test flight || 25 June 2016 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 26 June 2016 || Jiuquan || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Long March 7 test flight carrying scaled model of [[Engineering:Next-generation crewed spacecraft|next-generation crewed spacecraft]].
|- style="background:SkyBlue;"
|13|| Tiangong 2 || 15 September 2016 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || — || 19 July 2019 || [[Earth:Pacific Ocean|Southern Pacific]] || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Space laboratory with rich equipment, capable of in-orbit refueling and supporting mid-term spaceflight.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|14|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|Shenzhou 11]] ||17 October 2016 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 32 d 06 h 29 m
| 18 November 2016 || Dorbod Banner || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Jing Haipeng <br /> {{flagicon|China}} Chen Dong  || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First and only crewed docking with Tiangong-2, crew set record for longest Chinese crewed spaceflight prior to the Third Step.
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|15|| Tianzhou 1 || 20 April 2017 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 22 September 2017 || (burnt up in atmosphere) || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First cargo spacecraft, completed in-orbit propellant refueling tests.
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ Third Step, phase 1 ↓'''
|- style="background:LightGray;"
|16|| style="white-space: nowrap;" | Long March 5B<br/>test flight || 5 May 2020 || Long March 5B || Wenchang || — || 8 May 2020 || Jiuquan || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| Long March 5B test flight carrying test vehicle of [[Engineering:Next-generation crewed spacecraft|next-generation crewed spacecraft]].
|- style="background:CornflowerBlue;"
|17 || Tianhe<br/>Core Module || 29 April 2021 || Long March 5B || Wenchang || — || — || — || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First module of Tiangong Space Station being launched into orbit.
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|18|| Tianzhou 2 || 29 May 2021 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 31 March 2022 || (burnt up in atmosphere)	 || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First cargo spacecraft to the space station. Undocked from Tianhe on 27 March 2022 at 07:55:29.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|19|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 12|Shenzhou 12]] || 17 June 2021 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 92 d 04 h 11 m
| 17 September 2021 || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Nie Haisheng<br /> {{flagicon|China}} Liu Boming<br /> {{flagicon|China}} Tang Hongbo || {{success}}  
| style="background:#F9F9F9;text-align:left"| First crewed mission to dock with the Tianhe Core Module to begin construction of the Tiangong space station.<ref name="nsf-20210301">{{cite web |last=Barbosa |first=Rui C. |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/03/china-preparing-to-build-tiangong-station-in-2021-complete-by-2022/ |title=China preparing to build Tiangong station in 2021, complete by 2022 |work=NASASpaceFlight |date=1 March 2021 |access-date=1 March 2021 |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302021019/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/03/china-preparing-to-build-tiangong-station-in-2021-complete-by-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|20|| Tianzhou 3 || 20 September 2021 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 27 July 2022 || (burnt up in atmosphere) || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Second cargo spacecraft to the space station. Undocked from Tianhe on 17 July 2022 at 02:55.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|21|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]] || 15 October 2021 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 182 d 09h 32 m
| 16 April 2022 || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Zhai Zhigang<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Wang Yaping<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Ye Guangfu || {{success}}  
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Second crewed mission to the space station to continue its construction. First spacewalk by a female Chinese astronaut.
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ Third Step, phase 2 ↓'''
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|22|| Tianzhou 4 || 9 May 2022 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 14 November 2022 || (burnt up in atmosphere) || (uncrewed)  || {{success}}
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Third cargo spacecraft to the space station. Undocked from Tianhe on 9 November 2022 at 06:55.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|23|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 14|Shenzhou 14]] || 5 June 2022 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 182 d 09h 25 m || 4 December 2022 || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" |{{flagicon|China}} Chen Dong<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Liu Yang<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Cai Xuzhe || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Third crewed mission to the space station to continue its construction: two lab modules added during this mission thus completing the construction of the station.
|- style="background:CornflowerBlue;"
|24|| ''Wentian''<br/>Laboratory Cabin Module || 24 July 2022 || Long March 5B || Wenchang || — || — || — || (uncrewed) || {{success}}  
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Laboratory Cabin Module I of the Tiangong Space Station.
|- style="background:CornflowerBlue;"
|25|| ''Mengtian''<br/>Laboratory Cabin Module || 31 October 2022 || Long March 5B || Wenchang || — || — || — || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Laboratory Cabin Module II of the Tiangong Space Station.
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|26|| Tianzhou 5 || 12 November 2022 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 13 September 2023 || (burnt up in atmosphere) || (uncrewed)  || {{success}}  
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Broke the record of shortest time from launch to docking (2 hours 07 minutes).
|- style="background:Gold;"
|27|| [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]] || 29 November 2022 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 186 d 07h 25 m || 3 June 2023 || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" | {{flagicon|China}} Fei Junlong<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Deng Qingming<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Zhang Lu || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left"| Fourth crewed mission to the space station for its final stage of construction. First set of rotation of crew members. 
|-
| colspan="11" style="background:silver;text-align:center" | '''↓ Space station application and development phase ↓'''
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|28|| Tianzhou 6 || 10 May 2023 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || 19 January 2024 || (burnt up in atmosphere) || (uncrewed) || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left" | Reduced launch frequency starting from this mission due to less demand for cargo resupply. The world's [[Engineering:Comparison of space station cargo vehicles|largest active cargo supply spacecraft]] in terms of capacity.<ref>{{cite web|title=China launches new cargo mission to space station|url=http://english.scio.gov.cn/chinavoices/2023-05/11/content_85282462.htm|website=scio.gov.cn|publisher=Xinhua|date=11 May 2023|access-date=11 May 2023|archive-date=11 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511133611/http://english.scio.gov.cn/chinavoices/2023-05/11/content_85282462.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- style="background:Gold;"
|29|| [[Engineering:Shenzhou 16|Shenzhou 16]] || 30 May 2023 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 153 d 22h 41 m || 31 October 2023 || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" | {{flagicon|China}} Jing Haipeng<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Zhu Yangzhu<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Gui Haichao || {{success}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left" |  Fifth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station. Includes civilian astronaut (payload specialist) for the first time.
|- style="background:Gold;"
|30|| [[Engineering:Shenzhou 17|Shenzhou 17]] || 26 October 2023 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || 6 months (planned) || April 2024 (planned) || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" | {{flagicon|China}} Tang Hongbo<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Tang Shengjie<br/> {{flagicon|China}} Jiang Xinlin || {{usually|Ongoing}} 
| style="background:#F9F9F9; text-align:left" |  Sixth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station.
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|31|| Tianzhou 7 || 17 January 2024 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || — || — || (uncrewed) || {{usually|Ongoing}} 
|}

=== Upcoming missions ===

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" class="nowraplinks" style="margin: 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; text-align:center"
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
! Sequence<br/>No.!! Mission !! Launch<br/>(planned) !! Launch Vehicle !! Launch Site !! style="width:8em" | Duration !! Landing/Re-entry !! Landing/Re-entry<br/>Location !! style= "width: 120px"| Crew !! Notes
|- style="background:Gold;"
|32|| [[Engineering:Shenzhou 18|Shenzhou 18]] || April 2024 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || ~6 months || — || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" | {{flagicon|China}} TBA<br/> {{flagicon|China}} TBA<br/> {{flagicon|China}} TBA ||  Seventh crewed mission to the Tiangong space station.
|- style="background:LightCoral;"
|33|| Tianzhou 8 || September 2024 || [[Engineering:Long March 7|Long March 7]] || Wenchang || — || — || — || (uncrewed) || 
|- style="background:Gold;"
|34|| Shenzhou 19 || October 2024 || [[Engineering:Long March 2F|Long March 2F]] || Jiuquan || ~6 months || — || Jiuquan || style="text-align:left" | {{flagicon|China}} TBA<br/> {{flagicon|China}} TBA<br/> {{flagicon|China}} TBA ||  Eighth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station.
|}

==Astronauts==

===November 1996 trainer selection===
There were two astronaut trainers selected for Project 921. They trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia.

# Li Qinglong – born August 1962 in Dingyuan, Anhui Province and PLAAF interceptor pilot and space instructor at [[Astronomy:Star City, Russia|Star City]]
# Wu Jie – born October 1963 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province and PLAAF fighter pilot

===January 1998 astronaut candidate selection===
# Chen Quan – PLAAF pilot 
# Deng Qingming – from Jiangxi Province and PLAAF pilot, back up on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|Shenzhou 11]], flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]]
# Fei Junlong – second Chinese astronaut, commander of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 6|Shenzhou 6]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]]
# Jing Haipeng – born October 1966 and PLAAF pilot, astronaut of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]], [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 9|Shenzhou 9]], [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|Shenzhou 11]] and [[Engineering:Shenzhou 16|Shenzhou 16]]
# Liu Boming – born September 1966 and PLAAF pilot, astronaut of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 12|Shenzhou 12]]
# Liu Wang – born in Shanxi Province and PLAAF pilot, flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 9|Shenzhou 9]]
# Nie Haisheng – back up in [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]], flight engineer on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 6|Shenzhou 6]], commander of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 10|Shenzhou 10]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 12|Shenzhou 12]]
# Pan Zhanchun – PLAAF pilot
# Yang Liwei – first man sent into space by the space program of China on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]], made the PRC the third country to independently send people into space
# Zhai Zhigang – back up in [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 5|Shenzhou 5]], commander of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 7|Shenzhou 7]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]]
# Zhang Xiaoguang – born in Liaoning Province and PLAAF pilot, flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 10|Shenzhou 10]]
# Zhao Chuandong – PLAAF pilot

===2010 astronaut candidate selection===
# Cai Xuzhe – flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 14|Shenzhou 14]]
# Chen Dong – flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|Shenzhou 11]], commander of [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 14|Shenzhou 14]]
# Liu Yang – first Chinese woman into space, flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 9|Shenzhou 9]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 14|Shenzhou 14]]
# Tang Hongbo – flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 12|Shenzhou 12]]
# Wang Yaping – second Chinese woman into space, flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 10|Shenzhou 10]] and [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]]
# Ye Guangfu –  flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]]
# Zhang Lu – flew on [[Astronomy:Shenzhou 15|Shenzhou 15]]

===2020 astronaut candidate selection===
18 people - 17 men, 1 woman, 14 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").<ref>{{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 }}</ref>
# Zhu Yangzhu - flew on [[Engineering:Shenzhou 16|Shenzhou 16]] as spaceflight engineer
# Gui Haichao - flew on [[Engineering:Shenzhou 16|Shenzhou 16]] as payload specialist
# Jiang Xinlin - flew on [[Engineering:Shenzhou 17|Shenzhou 17]] as spaceflight engineer
# Tang Shengjie - flew on [[Engineering:Shenzhou 17|Shenzhou 17]] as pilot

===2022 astronaut candidate selection===
12 to 14 people are to be selected as new astronauts. The positions were broken down as 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== International collaborations ==

In 2016, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) signed a Framework Agreement and a Funding Agreement with the [[Organization:United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs|United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs]] (UNOOSA) to increase cooperation on a future Chinese space station.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 28 May 2018, UNOOSA and CMSA announced an initiative to accept applications from {{wipe|United Nations}} Member States to conduct experiments onboard China's space station.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 12 June 2019, the winners of the competitors were announced. 9 projects, involving 23 institutions from 17 Member States of the {{wipe|United Nations}}, were selected by experts.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

== See also ==
* Tiangong Space Station
* Tiangong program
* Space program of China
* China Manned Space Agency

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{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 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |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}}

== External links ==
{{commons|Shenzhou}}{{Shenzhou program|before=[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 11|Shenzhou 11]]|after=[[Astronomy:Shenzhou 13|Shenzhou 13]]}}
{{Chinese space program}}
{{Crewed spacecraft}}
{{Future spaceflights}}
{{Spaceflight}}
{{Spaceflight lists and timelines}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shenzhou Program}}
[[Category:Crewed spacecraft]]
[[Category:Human spaceflight programs]]

{{Sourceattribution|China Manned Space Program}}