zoom_in Click to enlarge

Shenzhou 5

▲ ▼

description Shenzhou 5 Overview

Shenzhou 5 was the first crewed spaceflight for China's space program, launching on October 15, 2003. The mission carried astronaut Yang Liwei into low Earth orbit, where he completed 14 orbits around the planet over a 21-hour period. This achievement made China the third country in the world to independently launch a human into space. The Shenzhou spacecraft itself was heavily influenced by the design of the Russian Soyuz.

help Shenzhou 5 FAQ

Who flew aboard Shenzhou 5?

Yang Liwei was the mission's sole crew member. His flight made him China's first person in space and earned him the title taikonaut in international coverage.

How long did Shenzhou 5 remain in orbit?

The spacecraft completed 14 orbits during a flight lasting about 21 hours. It launched on October 15, 2003, and returned to Inner Mongolia the following day.

Why was Shenzhou 5 historically important outside China?

It made China the third country to place a human in orbit using an independently developed launch system. The Soviet Union achieved that milestone in 1961 and the United States followed in 1962.

What rocket launched Shenzhou 5?

A Long March 2F rocket launched the spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The Shenzhou design includes orbital, reentry, and service modules and was developed through earlier uncrewed test missions.

swap_horiz

Looking for Shenzhou 5 alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward