The Long March II-F rocket loaded with the Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft lifts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province on June 16.
Chinese Space Capsule Docks With Lab
China says a manned spacecraft has docked with an orbiting laboratory to mark the latest milestone in China's space program.
Chinese space officials said the Shenzhou-9 capsule, with a crew of three, including one woman, linked up on June 18 with the orbiting Tiangong 1 module.
Images of the docking were broadcast live on Chinese state-run television.
The astronauts later entered the module in what was described as the first time Chinese astronauts have moved from one orbiting craft to another.
The docking was an automated procedure. In the next few days, the astronauts will attempt a manual docking.
PHOTO GALLERY: A brief history of women in space
Photo Gallery:
A Brief History Of Women In Space
China planned to become just the third country to send its own woman into space on June 16, when 33-year-old Liu Yang was to blast off with two male colleagues on a mission to dock with the Tiangong 1 (Heavenly Garden) module. She hoped to join some prestigious -- and surprisingly varied -- company.
The latest Shenzhou mission -- China's fourth manned mission into space -- was launched on June 16, taking China's first female astronaut into orbit.
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