Shenzhou 9: China's 1st Manned Space Docking Mission (Pictures)

Shenzhou 9 Crew Press Conference

China Ministry of National Defense

The crew of China's Shenzhou 9 mission, set to launch in June 16, 2012, sits to answer reporter questions a day before liftoff. L to R, Liu Yang (China's first female astronaut), Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Carrier Rocket for Shenzhou 9 Spaceship Arrives at Launch Center

China Manned Space Engineering

The Long March 2F rocket for the Shenzhou 9 spaceship arrived at the launch center on May 9, 2012.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Manned Space Engineering Office

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

Shenzhou 9 in Transit

China Ministry of Defense

A Chinese Long March 2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rolls out to the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 9, 2012. The Shenzhou 9 mission will launch three astronauts on China's first manned space docking flight.

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