Liftoff! Shenzhou 9 Launches Into Space
China's Shenzhou 9 spacecraft launches into space atop a Long March 2F rocket on June 16, 2012 carrying the country's first female astronaut.
China's 1st Female Astronaut Ready
China's first female astronaut Liu Wang waves to supporters while clad in a spacesuit just before boarding the Shenzhou 9 space capsule for a successful June 19, 2012 launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Shenzhou 9: Final Systems Checks
China's Shenzhou 9 spacecraft stands poised for launch on June 16, 2012 in this still from a state-run CCTV broadcast. The three-person crew of Shenzhou 9 is seen at left, with Liu Yang - China's first female astronaut - visible at right of frame. Mission commander Jing Haipeng is at center, and Liu Wang at left.
China's Shenzhou-9 Mission Crew
China's astronauts Jing Haipeng (L), Liu Wang (R) and Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut, make up the crew of the Shenzhou-9 manned docking mission.
China's Shenzhou 9 Crew with Mission Patches
China's Shenzhou 9 crew, from right, Jing Haipeng, Liu Yang and Liu Wang, wearing their mission's emblem during training.
China's 1st Woman Astronaut: Liu Yang
China's first female astronaut Liu Yang, an Air Force major, salutes to reporters during a press conference on the eve of her June 16, 2012 launch with two crewmates on the Shenzhou 9 mission to the Tiangong 1 space lab.
Shenzhou 9 Crew Close-Up
The crew of China's Shenzhou-9 mission, set to launch in June 2012, waves. L to R, Liu Yang (China's first female astronaut), Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang.
Shenzhou 9 Astronauts Meet the Press
The crew of China's Shenzhou 9 mission meets reporters for a press conference before launch on June 15, 2012 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. From left to right are: Liu Yang (China's first female astronaut), Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang.
Inside China's Tiangong 1 Space Lab
A look inside China's Tiangong 1 space lab, which launched into orbit in September 2011.
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