Shenzhou VIII

China may send its first woman into space this year after including female astronauts in the team training for its first manned space docking, state media said Monday.

China will launch a manned spacecraft between June and August on a mission to take three astronauts to the Tiangong-1 module currently orbiting the Earth, state media reported Friday.

China placed two satellites in orbit on Sunday, including a spacecraft that will collect and relay data for disaster relief efforts, state press reported.

China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou VIII returned to Earth on Thursday, state media reported, after completing two space dockings that have pushed forward the nation's ambitious space programme.

China completed its second space docking on Monday, state media reported, as it moves closer towards fulfilling its ambition to set up a manned space station.

China took a crucial step towards fulfilling its ambition to set up a manned space station on Thursday by completing its first successful docking in orbit high above the Earth.

China took its first step towards building a space station on Thursday when it launched an experimental module ahead of National Day celebrations.

China will take its first step towards building a space station on Thursday when it launches an experimental module ahead of National Day celebrations.

China is due to take its first step towards building a space station on Thursday when it launches an experimental module ahead of the country's National Day celebrations.