Shenzhou (spacecraft)

The literal meaning of the native name 神舟 (pinyin: Shénzhōu) is "the Divine vessel [on the Heavenly River]", to which Heavenly River (天河) means the Milky Way in Classical Chinese. 神舟 is a pun and neologism that plays on the poetic word referring to China, 神州, meaning Divine realm, which bears the same pronunciation. For further information, refer to Chinese theology, Chinese astronomy and names of China.

China's first efforts at human spaceflight started in 1967, with the Shuguang spacecraft design, projected to launch in 1973. Although China successfully launched an uncrewed satellite in 1970, the Shuguang was cancelled in 1972, and the entire program in 1980, due to a lack of funds.

The Chinese crewed spacecraft program was relaunched in 1992 with Project 921. The Phase One spacecraft followed the general layout of the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, with three modules that could separate for reentry. China signed a deal with Russia in 1995 for the transfer of Soyuz technology, including life support and docking systems. The Phase One spacecraft was then modified with the new Russian technology. The general designer of Shenzhou-1 through Shenzhou-5 was Qi Faren (Chinese: 戚发轫), and from Shenzhou-6 on, the general design was turned over to Zhang Bainan (Chinese: 张柏楠).

The first uncrewed flight of the spacecraft was launched on 19 November 1999, after which Project 921/1 was renamed Shenzhou, a name chosen by then Chinese president Jiang Zemin. A series of three additional uncrewed flights were carried out. The first crewed launch took place on 15 October 2003 with the Shenzhou 5 mission. The spacecraft has since become the mainstay of the Chinese crewed space program, being used for both crewed and uncrewed missions.

Shenzhou consists of three modules: a forward orbital module (Chinese: 轨道舱); pinyin: Guǐdào cāng), a reentry module (Chinese: 返回舱); pinyin: Fǎnhuí cāng) in the middle, and an aft service module (Chinese: 推进舱); pinyin: Tuījìn cāng). This division is based on the principle of minimizing the amount of material to be returned to Earth. Anything placed in the orbital or service modules does not require heat shielding, increasing the space available in the spacecraft without increasing weight as much as it would if those modules were also able to withstand reentry.

Orbital module

The orbital module (Chinese: 轨道舱); pinyin: Guǐdào cāng) contains space for experiments, crew-serviced or crew-operated equipment, and in-orbit habitation. Without docking systems, Shenzhou 1-6 carried different kinds of payload on the top of their orbital modules for scientific experiments.

The Chinese spacecraft docking mechanism (beginning with Shenzhou 8) is based on the Androgynous Peripheral Attach System (APAS).

Up until Shenzhou 8, the orbital module of the Shenzhou was equipped with its own propulsion, solar power, and control systems, allowing autonomous flight. It is possible for Shenzhou to leave an orbital module in orbit for redocking with a later spacecraft, a capability which Soyuz does not possess, since the only hatch between the orbital and reentry modules is a part of the reentry module, and orbital module is depressurized after separation. For future missions, the orbital module(s) could also be left behind on the planned Chinese project 921/2 space station as additional station modules.

In the uncrewed test flights launched, the orbital module of each Shenzhou was left functioning on orbit for several days after the reentry modules return, and the Shenzhou 5 orbital module continued to operate for six months after launch.

Reentry module

The reentry module (Chinese: 返回舱); pinyin: Fǎnhuí cāng) is located in the middle section of the spacecraft and contains seating for the crew. It is the only portion of Shenzhou which returns to Earth's surface. Its shape is a compromise between maximizing living space and allowing for some aerodynamic control upon reentry.

Service module

The aft service module (Chinese: 推进舱); pinyin: Tuījìn cāng) contains life support and other equipment required for the functioning of Shenzhou. Two pairs of solar panels, one pair on the service module and the other pair on the orbital module, have a total area of over 40 square metres (430 sq ft), indicating average electrical power over 1.5 kW (Soyuz have 1.0 kW).

Comparison with Soyuz

Although the Shenzhou spacecraft follows the same layout as the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, it is approximately 10% larger and heavier than Soyuz. It also has a bigger cylindrical orbital module and four propulsion engines. There is enough room to carry an inflatable raft in case of a splashdown, whereas Soyuz cosmonauts must jump into the water and swim. The commander sits in the center seat on both spacecraft. However, the pilot sits in the left seat on Shenzhou and the right seat on Soyuz.

List includes only completed or currently manifested missions. Dates are listed in UTC, and for future events, they are the earliest possible opportunities (also known as NET dates) and may change. Unless noted otherwise, information is from Gunter's Space Page.

• The Shenzhou was prominently featured in the film Gravity and was used by the main character, STS-157 Mission Specialist Dr. Ryan Stone, to safely return home after the destruction of her spacecraft.
• In Star Trek: Discovery, the Walker class starship USS Shenzhou is named after this spacecraft.
• Shenzhou is also a flight that is flying from Gansu, China.