China's Shenzhou 9 manned spacecraft is in final preparations for its launch in mid-June, paving the way for China's first manned space docking mission, as well as the country's first space mission featuring a female astronaut, China.org.cn reported.

The mission will feature the country's first attempt at manual space docking with the orbiting Tiangong-1 lab module, experts at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center said.

The command hall of the center is in "ready to launch" status, according to launch center commander Wang Jun.

For the Shenzhou-9 mission, high temperatures will pose a threat to the craft. Efforts have been made to cool the propellant to around 15 degrees Celsius, "the best temperature before launch," said Cui Jijun, director of the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)