China Tuesday began its longest manned space mission with the launch of the Shenzhou-10 rocket, state television showed, as the country steps up an ambitious exploration programme symbolising its growing power. The rocket ascended above the Jiuquan space centre in the Gobi Desert trailing a vast column of flame. The three astronauts on board -- who include Wang Yaping, 33, China's second woman in space -- saluted cameras mounted inside their capsule and moments later the boosters detached from the rocket. The crew are due to spend 15 days in orbit.

China was to launch its longest-ever space mission on Tuesday, with its second woman astronaut among the crew, as it steps up its ambitious space programme, a symbol of the country's growing power. The Shenzhou-10 -- the name means "Divine Vessel" -- was due to lift off at 0938 GMT from the Jiuquan launch centre in the Gobi desert. The three astronauts on board, including Wang Yaqing, 33, who trained as an air force transport pilot, are scheduled to spend 15 days in space, programme spokeswoman Wu Ping said.

China is to send its second woman astronaut into orbit on its longest mission yet, space officials said Monday, as the country works towards building a space station. The Shenzhou-10 -- the name means "Divine Vessel" -- will be launched on a Long March rocket at 0938 GMT Tuesday, Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space programme, told a news conference.

China is to send its second woman astronaut into orbit on its longest mission yet, space officials said Monday, as the country works towards building a space station. The Shenzhou-10 -- the name means "Divine Vessel" -- will be launched on a Long March rocket at 0938 GMT Tuesday, Wu Ping, spokeswoman for China's manned space programme, told a news conference. The crew will be in orbit for 15 days, she said, and will include Wang Yaping, the second woman China has sent into space.