Chinese Space program: Inside Shenzhou

Images: Shenzhou V (CGI series)
Information: Complete history of Shenzhou program, including photos, spec's and links


The Chinese Project 921-1 Spacecraft was personally named ‘Shenzhou’ by Chinese President Jiang Zemin. The name Shenzhou has been variously translated as "Vessel of the Gods", "Divine Craft" and "Divine Mechanism."
And Shenzhou truly is a Divine Mechanism. Designed by scientists to emulate the best functions of the Soyuz program (In fact, it is theorized the Russians sold them a stripped-down Soyuz craft to reverse engineer) only larger and built using newer, stronger materials, it is another example of combining the best of what we have known for some time with the best of what we have just learned.
The Chinese are still new at this and not as open as the Russians and Americans about their project, but they have made some bold claims. Like the intention to build an orbiting laboratory of their own and eventually even a Lunar base.
No one doubts the technical ability of Chinese scientists to accomplish their goals. Obviously the people who invented the rocket would have no problem reaching the Moon.
It was just a matter of time.