Schedule for Shenzhou IXmanned spacecraft

China will launch its Shenzhou IX manned spacecraft in mid-June to perform the country's first manned space docking mission with the orbiting Tiangong-1 space lab module.

Three astronauts, including one female, out of six candidates, will board the spacecraft. The final selection will be decided "on the very last condition."

One of the three Shenzhou IX crew members will not board the Tiangong-1 space module lab, but will remain inside the spacecraft as a precautionary measure. All of the crew members will stay 13 days in space.