This maiden crewed mission is expected to last some 21 hours and 24 minutes, assuming an initial 121 mile (195 kilometer) by 211 mile (340 kilometer) elongated orbit. If this orbit is achieved, the Shenzhou 5 should maneuver to roughly a 208-mile (335-kilometer) circular orbit some seven hours after liftoff.

The craft would circle Earth about 14 times. Landing is to done pre-sunset and would occur in the Central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Contrary to earlier reports, the launch will not be aired live on China television.

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