Shenzhou (Manned Space Missions)

The Shenzhou space program is China's series of manned space missions, beginning in 1999. It involves launching spacecraft called Shenzhou to carry astronauts (taikonauts) into orbit. These missions demonstrate China's ability to operate in space, conduct scientific experiments, and develop space technologies. Shenzhou spacecraft are similar to Russia’s Soyuz and serve as a key step toward China’s broader space exploration goals, including building space labs like Tiangong. The program showcases China’s advancements in aerospace engineering, international space cooperation, and efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in space.