China's first woman in space

On Saturday 16 June, the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft successfully lifted off towards the Tiangong-1 space lab. The team of 3 astronauts includes Liu Yang, the first Chinese woman to go into space. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with Tiangong-1 on 18 June.

 

Lift-off of the Shenzhou-9 mission from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Saturday 16 June. Credit: CCTV/Enjoy Space

The CZ-2F rocket was launched into space at 18:37 local time, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province (north-western China). The Shenzhou-9 capsule is now in orbit and the mission is proceeding as expected according to Chinese officials.
The crew includes the commander Jing Haipeng who took part in the Shenzhou-7 mission in September 2008. He becomes the first Chinese astronaut to accomplish a second space flight. He is accompanied by Liu Yang and Liu Wang. At 34 years old, Liu Yang, an air force pilot, is the first Chinese woman in orbit.

The Shenzhou-9 crew, from left to right: Liu Yang, Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang. Credit: CNSA

Since 2003, the Shenzhou manned space flight programme has only completed 4 missions with astronauts (including Shenzhou-9). However, each time, major progress has been made. Firstly, an initial short flight (14 orbits) with a single astronaut (Yang Liwei) in 2003, then 5 days in space with 2 people in 2005 and a crew of 3 with a spacewalk in 2008.

Liu Yang, China's first woman to go into space. Credit: CNSA

After successfully launching their space lab Tiangong-1 and testing an automatic docking procedure with a unmanned Shenzhou spacecraft (Shenzhou 8) in October 2011, China has once again made a decisive step forward since this time the astronauts are inhabiting the space lab. Indeed, on 18 June, Shenzhou-9 is scheduled to dock with Tiangong-1. The mission should last 13 days. 2 astronauts will use the station, while a third will remain aboard Shenzhou-9 for safety. In fact, this Chinese mission is comparable to the Soviet Salyut space station programme.

The Tiangong-1 space lab (right) in orbit with a Shenzhou capsule on the approach (artist's impression). Credit: CNSA

After implementing Tiangong-1, Chinese officials have been open about their desire to move forward towards a more ambitious space station built in orbit by combining several modules, like Mir or the ISS. This also supports the Beijing authorities' desire to conduct a manned lunar mission by 2020 or 2030.

Published 16 June 2012