The Shenzhou-21 crew was launched aboard a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert at 11.44pm Beijing time on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

About 10 minutes into the flight, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit with high precision. The astronauts were reported to be in good condition, and the launch was declared a success.

At 3.22am on Saturday, the spacecraft docked with the forward port of the T-shaped Tiangong, orbiting about 390km (242 miles) above Earth. The rendezvous and docking took roughly three and a half hours, “setting a new record for the fastest flight and docking between a Shenzhou spacecraft and the space station”, the agency said.

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China launches Shenzhou-21 spacecraft with 4 mice aboard for 6-month experiment

China launches Shenzhou-21 spacecraft with 4 mice aboard for 6-month experiment

During their six-month stay, the crew will install protective devices to shield the space station from space debris, test new spacesuits and conduct 27 scientific experiments focused on biotechnology, materials science, microgravity physics and advanced space technologies.