The launch of the manned Shenzhou IX spacecraft is the first time that China's astronauts will stay in space for more than 10 days. The mission will also complete the country's first manned space docking to master the necessary technology for assembling a space station, see China's first female astronaut in space and have astronauts entering a space lab module for the first time. China Daily online provides a live report to cover the big event!

6:56 pm, June 16

President Hu Jintao sends a congratulatory message on the successful launch of Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft.  "I feel very glad to hear the success of launching the Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft and I would like to extend warm congratulations and sincere regards to all those participating in the research and tests (of the country's space program)," Hu says in a congratulatory letter sent from Denmark's Copenhagen.

6:55 pm, June 16

Commander-in-chief of China's manned space program Chang Wanquan announces that the launch of the manned Shenzhou IX spacecraft was successful.

6:54 pm, June 16

Shenzhou IX spacecraft enters its orbit, after steps including the separation of escape tower, rocket booster and fairing.

6:37 pm, June 16

China launches its Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft at 6:37 pm Saturday, sending the country's first female astronaut into space.

 

The Long March 2F rocket carrying the manned spacecraft Shenzhou IX blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China's Gansu Province on June 16, 2012. [Photo by Su Dong / For Chinadaily.com.cn]

6：06 pm, June 16

Shenzhou IX spacecraft, carrying China's first female astronaut and two male ones, is scheduled to blast off in about 30 minutes.

Three astronauts Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and Liu Yang have been in the spacecraft and finished all inspections before launch.

Chinese astronauts conduct final checks in the capsule of Shenzhou IX spacecraft, preparing for the launch at Jiuquan in Northwest China's Gansu province, June 16, 2012.[Photo/Xinhua]

4:25 pm, June 16

Chinese astronauts enter the Shenzhou IX spacecraft, ready to set out at Jiuquan in Northwest China's Gansu province, June 16, 2012.

4:05 pm, June 16

Chinese astronauts arrive at the launch pad at Jiuquan in Northwest China's Gansu province, June 16, 2012.

3: 40 pm, June 16

The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center holds a departure ceremony for China's first female astronaut and two male crew mates, due to board the Shenzhou IX spacecraft, on Saturday afternoon.

Astronauts Liu Yang, Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang wave during the departure ceremony at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Gansu province, June 16.[Photo/Xinhua]

3:30 pm, June 16

Top legislator Wu Bangguo delivers speech at the departure ceremony in Jiuquan, Northwest China's Gansu province, June 16, 2012. "The country and the people are looking forward to your successful return." he says to the astronauts.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo greets three astronauts during the departure ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Northwest China's Gansu province, June 16, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

5:30 pm, June 15

Shenzhou IX's upgraded Long March 2F carrier rocket starts being fueled at 5:30 pm, June 15.

China will launch its Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft at 6:37 pm Saturday, sending the country's first female astronaut into space, a spokeswoman said Friday.

Three astronauts, two male and one female, will travel aboard the spacecraft to complete the country's first manual space docking test, said Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space program, at a press conference at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

China's astronauts Liu Yang, Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang  meet with media in Jiuquan, Northwest China's Gansu province, June 15, 2012. The three astronauts will board Shenzhou IX spacecraft on Saturday to fulfill China's first manned space docking mission. [Photo/Xinhua]