# Shenzhou 10

> 2013 Chinese crewed spaceflight to Tiangong-1

**Wikidata**: [Q1850788](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1850788)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_10)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou-10

## Summary
Shenzhou 10 was a 2013 Chinese crewed spaceflight to the Tiangong-1 space station, marking the third and final mission to dock with the module. The mission lasted 15 days, during which the crew conducted scientific experiments and demonstrated China's growing capabilities in human spaceflight.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 11, 2013
- **Landing Date**: June 26, 2013
- **Duration**: 15 days (1,261,740 seconds)
- **Crew**: Nie Haisheng (commander), Zhang Xiaoguang, and Wang Yaping (first Chinese female astronaut)
- **Spacecraft**: Shenzhou 10
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2F
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (262–315 km altitude)
- **Orbital Period**: 90.28 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 42.7 degrees
- **Significant Event**: Docked with Tiangong-1 for 12 days (1,036,800 seconds)
- **Landing Site**: Mongolia

## FAQs
### Q: Who were the crew members of Shenzhou 10?
A: The crew consisted of Nie Haisheng (commander), Zhang Xiaoguang, and Wang Yaping, who became the first Chinese female astronaut to visit Tiangong-1.

### Q: How long did the Shenzhou 10 mission last?
A: The mission lasted 15 days, from June 11 to June 26, 2013.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Shenzhou 10 mission?
A: The mission aimed to demonstrate China's ability to dock with Tiangong-1, conduct scientific experiments, and prepare for future space station missions.

### Q: Where did the Shenzhou 10 spacecraft land?
A: The spacecraft landed in Mongolia on June 26, 2013.

### Q: How many missions were flown to Tiangong-1?
A: Shenzhou 10 was the third and final mission to dock with Tiangong-1, following Shenzhou 9 and preceding Shenzhou 11.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou 10 was a pivotal mission in China's human spaceflight program, demonstrating the country's ability to perform complex orbital maneuvers and maintain long-duration crewed missions. The mission included the first female astronaut to visit Tiangong-1, Wang Yaping, and conducted scientific experiments in microgravity. It also marked the final crewed mission to Tiangong-1 before the station's deorbit in 2018. The success of Shenzhou 10 solidified China's position as a major player in space exploration, paving the way for future missions to the Chinese Space Station.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese Female Astronaut in Tiangong-1**: Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to visit the space station.
- **Final Crewed Mission to Tiangong-1**: Shenzhou 10 was the last crewed mission to dock with the Tiangong-1 space lab.
- **Long-Duration Mission**: The 15-day mission set a record for China's longest crewed spaceflight at the time.
- **Scientific Experiments**: Conducted microgravity research and technology demonstrations.
- **Precise Docking**: Achieved a successful automated docking with Tiangong-1, showcasing China's orbital rendezvous capabilities.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Shenzhou 10 was launched on June 11, 2013, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 2F rocket. The mission lasted 15 days, during which the crew conducted scientific experiments, including medical research and materials science in microgravity. The spacecraft docked with Tiangong-1 on June 13, 2013, and remained attached for 12 days before undocking and returning to Earth on June 26, 2013.

### Crew and Objectives
The crew of Nie Haisheng, Zhang Xiaoguang, and Wang Yaping performed various tasks, including manual and automated docking procedures. Wang Yaping, a teacher, conducted a live science lecture from space, engaging students on Earth. The mission also tested life support systems and spacecraft operations in preparation for future missions to the Chinese Space Station.

### Technological Achievements
Shenzhou 10 demonstrated China's ability to perform complex orbital maneuvers, including automated docking with Tiangong-1. The mission set a record for the longest Chinese crewed spaceflight at the time, contributing to the development of China's human spaceflight capabilities.

### Legacy
Shenzhou 10 was the final crewed mission to Tiangong-1 before the station's deorbit in 2018. The mission laid the groundwork for future Chinese space exploration, including the construction and operation of the Chinese Space Station.

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## References

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