On Sept. 29, target spacecraft Tiangong-1 was launched from Jiuquan, Gansu province, shortly followed by Shenzhou VIII on Nov. 1. The two spacecraft docked twice, on Nov. 3 and 4. Shenzhou VIII returned on Nov. 11, while Tiangong-1 switched orbit on Nov. 17 and entered long-term operation in space, waiting to dock with Shenzhou IX and Shenzhou X. The 50-day mission eventually proved to be a success. (Photo/81.cn)
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