1st manual space docking. Shenzhou-9 — China\'s fourth manned space China completed its first automatic space docking on a manned mission on Monday, before the three astronauts on board enter an orbiting module - a key step towards the nation\'s first space station. The Shenzhou-9 spacecraft, which took off on Saturday carrying the nation\'s first female astronaut, came together with the Tiangong-1 module currently in orbit over Earth, a move broadcast live on China\'s state television network.
It was the third time that China has completed the complex manoeuvre automatically, after achieving two similar dockings in November last year, but a first for a manned mission.
Commentators on state television said the crew were due to leave Shenzhou-9 (\'Divine Vessel\') and enter the Tiangong-1 (\'Heavenly Palace\') module at 0930GMT (5.30pm Singapore time) - another new achievement for China\'s space programme.