# Shenzhou 7

> mission of the Chinese space program

**Wikidata**: [Q318646](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318646)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_7)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou-7

## Summary
Shenzhou 7 was a 2008 Chinese crewed spaceflight mission that marked the first Chinese spacewalk. It was the third crewed mission of the Shenzhou program and launched three astronauts aboard a Long March 2F rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 25, 2008, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- Landed on September 28, 2008, at 09:37 UTC in Inner Mongolia
- Crew consisted of Zhai Zhigang (commander), Liu Boming, and Jing Haipeng
- First Chinese spacewalk was performed by Zhai Zhigang during the mission
- Operated in low Earth orbit with COSPAR ID 2008-047A
- Part of China's Manned Space Program
- Operated by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- Used the Shenzhou spacecraft class
- Launched on a Long March 2F rocket
- Mission duration was approximately 3 days

### Q: What was the significance of Shenzhou 7?
A: Shenzhou 7 was significant as it marked China's first spacewalk, demonstrating advanced space capabilities and technological progress in their space program.

### Q: Who were the astronauts on Shenzhou 7?
A: The crew consisted of Zhai Zhigang (commander), Liu Boming, and Jing Haipeng, with Zhai performing the first Chinese spacewalk.

### Q: How long did the Shenzhou 7 mission last?
A: The mission lasted approximately 3 days, from launch on September 25, 2008, to landing on September 28, 2008.

### Q: What spacecraft was used for Shenzhou 7?
A: Shenzhou 7 used the Shenzhou spacecraft class, launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket.

### Q: Where did Shenzhou 7 launch from?
A: The mission launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's Gansu Province.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou 7 represented a critical milestone in China's space program, demonstrating the nation's growing capabilities in human spaceflight. The successful execution of the first Chinese spacewalk proved China's ability to conduct complex extravehicular activities, placing them among the elite group of nations capable of such operations. This mission built upon previous Shenzhou flights and laid the groundwork for future space station development and lunar exploration ambitions. The technological achievements demonstrated during Shenzhou 7 helped establish China as a major spacefaring nation and contributed to the country's national prestige and scientific advancement.

## Notable For
- First Chinese spacewalk, performed by Zhai Zhigang
- Third crewed mission in the Shenzhou program
- Demonstrated China's capability for extravehicular activity
- Advanced China's space technology and operational experience
- Contributed to China's goal of building a space station

## Body
### Mission Overview
Shenzhou 7 was the seventh flight of the Shenzhou spacecraft and the third crewed mission in China's human spaceflight program. The mission launched on September 25, 2008, at 21:10 UTC from Launch Pad 921 at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia.

### Crew and Operations
The three-person crew included Zhai Zhigang as commander, Liu Boming, and Jing Haipeng. During the mission, Zhai Zhigang conducted a 22-minute spacewalk on September 27, 2008, becoming the first Chinese astronaut to perform extravehicular activity. Liu Boming assisted from inside the spacecraft.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft was launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket and operated in low Earth orbit. The mission included testing of the spacecraft's systems, life support, and the new EVA suit developed by China. The spacecraft weighed approximately 7,800 kg and was designed for three-person crew capacity.

### Landing
The reentry module landed successfully on September 28, 2008, at 09:37 UTC in the central Inner Mongolia region. The landing site coordinates were approximately 42.28°N, 111.36°E.

### Program Context
Shenzhou 7 was part of the broader China Manned Space Program, which aims to develop human spaceflight capabilities and eventually establish a space station. The mission followed Shenzhou 6 (2005) and preceded Shenzhou 8 (2011), which was an unmanned mission.

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## References

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