NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2002-014A
Shenzhou 3 (Divine Vessel 3) is a Chinese (PRC) "unmanned spaceship" that was launched by a Long March 2F rocket from Jiquan Space Launch Center in northwestern Gobi desert at 14:00 UT on 25 March 2002. It consists of three modules: a propulsion section, a conical re-entry capsule, and an orbiter. The capsule was equipped with all that would be needed for a manned flight. The emergency escape system, for automatic initiation and by ground command was repeatedly tested; more tests will be made before a manned launch. (The earlier models, Shenzhou 1 and Shenzhou 2 did not provide escape capabilities.) The capsule is expected to soft-land after a few days of orbit.
Launch Date: 2002-03-25
Launch Vehicle: Long March 2F
Launch Site: Jiuquan, Peoples Republic of China
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office