China's Shenzou Launches Three Astronauts To New International Space Station

The first astronauts for China's new space station blasted off on June 17 for the country's longest crewed mission to date. It is a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power. They launched on a Long March-2F rocket for the Tiangong station, where they will spend three months, in a much-anticipated blast-off broadcast live on state TV.

Lift-off happened at 9:22 am (0122 GMT) from the Jiuquan launch centre in northwest China's Gobi desert. After about 10 minutes it reached orbit & the space craft separated from the rocket, to loud applause in the control room among rows of blue-suited engineers.

CCTV, state broadcaster showed a live feed from inside the spacecraft, with the three astronauts lifting their helmet visors and one smiling and waving at the camera. Watch the video to know more.