Chinese Space Programme

How the nation has progressed so far in its cosmic ambitions

1970

First satellite to orbit, the

Dong Fang Hong I

1999 Uncrewed first launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft

2003

First human in space, Yang

Liwei, on Shenzhou 5

2005

Two astronauts orbit Earth for five days on Shenzhou 6

2007

First lunar probe, Chang’e 1,

sent to the Moon

2008

First-ever Chinese spacewalk on

the Shenzhou 7 mission

2010 Second lunar probe, Chang’e 2, launches

2011

First experimental space station, Tiangong-1, launches

2012

First woman in space, Liu Yang, aboard Shenzhou 9

2013

Lands first rover, 'Yutu',

on the Moon

2016

Second experimental space station, Tiangong-2, launches

2018

Lunar relay satellite launches for upcoming far side landing