Shenzhou: spacecraft history, specs and record
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.
Record
23 launches, 23 built and flown.
At a glance
- Type: Capsule
- Built by: China National Space Administration
- Status: In use
- Crew: Up to 3
- First flight: 1999-11-19
- Height: 9.25 m
- Diameter: 2.8 m
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.