China Manned Space Program

Lore & Background

Formal research of China's human spaceflight began in 1968 with an institute for medical and space engineering in Beijing. Early efforts included a 1964 sounding rocket carrying small animals to 70 km, and the 1970 launch of China's first satellite, Dong Fang Hong I. Qian Xuesen introduced a human spaceflight project in 1970, later called Project 714, but it was cancelled due to lack of funds and political interest. A later program using FSW-derived ballistic reentry capsules was also cancelled in 1980 due to cost concerns. The 863 Program, funded in 1986, included space capabilities, leading to the formal approval of the China Manned Space Program on 21 September 1992 as Project 921, with work beginning on 1 January 1993.

The program was divided into three steps: first, development of a crewed spacecraft (Shenzhou 1–6); second, spacewalk equipment, space laboratories, and rendezvous/docking techniques (Shenzhou 7–11); third, a modular space station for long-duration operations (Shenzhou 12–15). In 1994, China signed a cooperation agreement with Russia to purchase aerospace technologies, including Soyuz spacecraft technology, astronaut training, life support systems, docking systems, and space suits. Two Chinese astronauts trained in Russia in 1996. The first uncrewed test flight, Shenzhou 1, launched on 19 November 1999. Shenzhou 5, on 15 October 2003, carried Yang Liwei, making China the third country to independently send humans to space. Shenzhou 6 in 2005 was the first multi-person, multi-day flight. Shenzhou 7 in 2008 involved three astronauts and an EVA.

Reader's Guide

The China Manned Space Program represents a significant achievement in human spaceflight, demonstrating China's ability to independently develop crewed spacecraft, conduct spacewalks, perform rendezvous and docking, and assemble a modular space station. By completing all three steps by 2022, China became the third nation to operate a space station, after the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States. The program's success relied on the Long March 2F rocket and the Shenzhou spacecraft, with technology transfers from Russia aiding early development. The CMSA has planned crewed lunar missions from 2030 under the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, using the Mengzhou orbiter and Lanyue lander atop the Long March 10. The program's structured, stepwise approach—from basic human spaceflight to a permanent space station—provides a model for incremental capability building. Its legacy includes advancing China's space technology, training astronauts, and establishing a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit, with ambitions for lunar exploration.

Did You Know?

• The program was approved on 21 September 1992, hence the name Project 921.
• Shenzhou 5 in 2003 carried Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut in space.
• China purchased Russian Soyuz spacecraft technology in a 1995 deal, including astronaut training and docking systems.
• The Tiangong space station was assembled by 2022, completing the program's third step.