China launches crewed spacecraft Shenzhou-12 in historic mission

Three astronauts travelling to part of space station still under construction

Last updated: June 17, 2021 | 05:35

1 MIN READ

The Long March-2F Y12 rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-12 spacecraft and three astronauts, takes off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center for China's first manned mission to build its space station, near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China June 17, 2021.

Reuters

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Jiuquan, China: China launched a spacecraft on Thursday carrying three astronauts to part of a space station still under construction for the longest stay in low Earth orbit by any Chinese national.

A Long March 2F rocket transporting the Shenzhou-12, or “Divine Vessel”, bound for the space station module Tianhe blasted off at 9.22am Beijing time (5.22am UAE) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwestern Gansu province.

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