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CASC / CMSA · Operational · cn · Crew Spacecraft

Shenzhou

China's primary Tiangong crew transport; three-module capsule for 3-taikonaut LEO missions.

Verified 2026-06-17 · First flight 1999-11-20

Operator page

Subsystems

propulsion↗

Service module provides main propulsion for orbital maneuvers and de-orbit; orbital module provides additional maneuvering; both discarded before reentry.

power↗

Service module solar panels; average power ~1.5 kW per module segment.

comms↗

Automated docking to Tiangong radial or forward ports; Chinese APAS-compatible docking mechanism.

Specs & Metrics

Crew Capacity ↑ better
3 seats
Maximum number of crew members the vehicle can carry on a nominal mission.
Cargo Upmass ↑ better
300 kg
Cargo to Tiangong; bulk cargo delivered by Tianzhou
Maximum pressurized + unpressurized cargo delivered to station orbit (upmass), in kg.
Pressurized Volume ↑ better
14 m³
Total habitable volume; orbital module ~8 m³ + descent module
Total internal pressurized volume of the spacecraft in cubic metres.