# Shenzhou

> class of crewed spacecraft from China

**Wikidata**: [Q1138653](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1138653)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou

## Summary
Shenzhou is a class of crewed spacecraft developed by China as part of the China Manned Space Program. It is the vehicle model used for China's human spaceflight missions, with the first crewed flight occurring in 2003. The spacecraft has been used for multiple missions to the Tiangong space station and other orbital objectives.

## Key Facts
- Shenzhou is a crewed spacecraft class from China, with the first crewed mission (Shenzhou 5) launched in 2003
- The spacecraft is part of the China Manned Space Program and is classified as a vehicle model
- Shenzhou has been used for 18 missions as of 2024, including both crewed and uncrewed flights
- The spacecraft has transported Chinese astronauts (called taikonauts) to the Tiangong space station
- Shenzhou 1 was the first launch of the spacecraft in 1999, and Shenzhou 18 was launched in 2024
- The spacecraft has a native Chinese name: 神舟 (meaning "Divine Vessel")
- Shenzhou is the Chinese counterpart to spacecraft like Russia's Soyuz and America's Crew Dragon

## FAQs

### Q: What is Shenzhou?
A: Shenzhou is a class of crewed spacecraft developed by China for human spaceflight missions. It has been used since 1999 for both crewed and uncrewed missions as part of China's space program.

### Q: When was the first crewed Shenzhou mission?
A: The first crewed Shenzhou mission (Shenzhou 5) launched on October 15, 2003, making China the third country to independently send humans to space.

### Q: What is the purpose of the Shenzhou spacecraft?
A: Shenzhou spacecraft are used to transport astronauts to and from orbit, including missions to the Tiangong space station, and to conduct scientific experiments and technology demonstrations in space.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou represents China's entry into human spaceflight capability and its establishment as a major spacefaring nation. The program demonstrates China's technological advancement in aerospace engineering and its commitment to independent space exploration. By developing its own crewed spacecraft, China has reduced reliance on foreign space agencies and created opportunities for scientific research, technological development, and international prestige. The Shenzhou program has enabled China to conduct long-duration missions, spacewalks, and orbital laboratory operations, contributing to global space exploration efforts and advancing our understanding of living and working in space. The spacecraft's success has also paved the way for more ambitious projects like the Tiangong space station, positioning China as a key player in humanity's future in space.

## Notable For
- First Chinese crewed spacecraft to successfully carry humans to orbit (2003)
- Enabling China to become the third country to independently conduct human spaceflight
- Serving as the primary vehicle for China's Tiangong space station operations
- Successfully completing 18 missions as of 2024, including both crewed and uncrewed flights
- Being the Chinese counterpart to international crewed spacecraft like Soyuz and Crew Dragon

## Body
### Development and History
The Shenzhou spacecraft program began in the 1990s as part of China's ambitious space exploration plans. The first launch (Shenzhou 1) occurred on November 19, 1999, as an uncrewed test flight. The program progressed through several uncrewed missions before achieving its first crewed flight with Shenzhou 5 in 2003.

### Technical Specifications
Shenzhou spacecraft are designed as three-module vehicles consisting of an orbital module, a reentry module, and a service module. The spacecraft measures approximately 9 meters in length and has a launch mass of about 7,800 kg. It is capable of carrying up to three astronauts and can remain in orbit for extended periods.

### Mission Profile
Shenzhou missions typically launch aboard the Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The spacecraft can dock with space stations like Tiangong and has been used for missions lasting from a few days to several months. Notable missions include Shenzhou 7 (which featured China's first spacewalk in 2008) and Shenzhou 9 (which included China's first female astronaut in 2012).

### Program Evolution
The Shenzhou program has evolved significantly since its inception, with improvements in life support systems, navigation, and docking capabilities. The spacecraft has been used for various mission types, including scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and crew rotations for the Tiangong space station. The program continues to advance with newer versions incorporating enhanced capabilities and safety features.

## Schema Markup
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  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013