# Shenzhou 1

> first launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q921557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q921557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou-1

## Summary
Shenzhou 1 was the first launch of China's Shenzhou spacecraft, marking the country's inaugural crewed spaceflight program. Uncrewed and launched on November 19, 1999, it completed 14 orbits before landing the next day, demonstrating China's capability to develop and operate a human-rated spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: November 19, 1999
- **Landing date**: November 20, 1999
- **Launch vehicle**: Long March 2F
- **Launch site**: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- **Orbits completed**: 14
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Operator**: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- **Part of**: China Manned Space Program
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-061A
- **Followed by**: Shenzhou 2 (2001)

## FAQs
### Q: Was Shenzhou 1 crewed?
A: No, Shenzhou 1 was uncrewed, serving as a test flight for China's space program.

### Q: What was the purpose of Shenzhou 1?
A: The mission tested the Shenzhou spacecraft's capabilities, including launch, orbital operations, and re-entry, paving the way for future crewed flights.

### Q: How long did Shenzhou 1 stay in space?
A: The spacecraft remained in orbit for one day, completing 14 orbits before landing on November 20, 1999.

### Q: What was the significance of Shenzhou 1?
A: It was a major milestone for China, proving the nation's ability to independently develop and launch a human-rated spacecraft, a key step in its space exploration ambitions.

### Q: What happened after Shenzhou 1?
A: Shenzhou 2, launched in 2001, was the next uncrewed test flight, followed by the first crewed mission, Shenzhou 5, in 2003.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou 1 was a pivotal achievement in China's space program, marking the first time the country independently developed and launched a crewed spacecraft. The mission validated the Shenzhou design, demonstrating its ability to withstand launch, operate in orbit, and safely re-enter Earth's atmosphere. While uncrewed, it laid the groundwork for future human spaceflight, including the successful Shenzhou 5 mission in 2003, which carried China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei. The success of Shenzhou 1 solidified China's position as a major player in space exploration and reinforced its commitment to advancing its manned spaceflight capabilities.

## Notable For
- **First Shenzhou launch**: The inaugural flight of China's crewed spacecraft program.
- **Uncrewed test mission**: Demonstrated the spacecraft's functionality without human passengers.
- **Low Earth orbit operations**: Successfully completed 14 orbits in a single day.
- **Pioneering achievement**: A key step toward China's goal of independent human spaceflight.
- **Precursor to crewed missions**: Set the stage for Shenzhou 5, the first crewed flight in 2003.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Shenzhou 1 was launched on November 19, 1999, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Long March 2F rocket. The spacecraft entered a low Earth orbit and completed 14 orbits before landing on November 20, 1999. The mission served as a critical test of the Shenzhou system, including its structural integrity, thermal protection, and re-entry capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
The Shenzhou spacecraft, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, was designed to carry astronauts. While Shenzhou 1 was uncrewed, it included a mockup of the crew module, allowing engineers to evaluate its performance under real flight conditions. The spacecraft's re-entry module, which housed the crew compartment, was equipped with heat shields and parachutes for a safe landing.

### Significance in China's Space Program
Shenzhou 1 was a major milestone for China, demonstrating the nation's ability to independently develop and operate a human-rated spacecraft. The mission's success paved the way for subsequent Shenzhou flights, including the first crewed mission, Shenzhou 5, which launched in 2003. The program was part of the broader China Manned Space Program, which aimed to establish China as a leading spacefaring nation.

### Legacy
Shenzhou 1's achievements laid the foundation for China's future manned space missions, including the construction of the Tiangong space station. The spacecraft's design and technology have evolved over subsequent missions, but Shenzhou 1 remains a foundational achievement in China's space exploration history.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet