{
  "id": 17937695,
  "title": "China’s historic first space docking in 2011 – SCMP archive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/chinas-historic-first-space-docking-in-2011-scmp-archive-17937695",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-03T08:15:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
    "slug": "reuters-business-via-scmp",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3373086/chinas-historic-first-space-docking-2011-scmp-archive"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 4, 2011, China marked a significant milestone as the Shenzhou VIII spacecraft performed a historic rendezvous and docking with the Tiangong-1 space laboratory module. This event, announced by Wu Ping, the spokeswoman for the manned space programme, paved the way for China's ambitious plan to build its own space station starting in 2013. Wu stated that two more rendezvous and docking missions would take place next year, followed by the construction of a space laboratory and eventually a full-scale space station by 2020. The ambitious project, requiring over 20 space flights and an estimated investment of more than 100 billion yuan, is expected to significantly boost China's space technology capabilities. Chinese authorities emphasized the smooth docking, which highlighted the nation's advancements in electronics and manufacturing. Despite facing challenges such as restricted access to high-tech products, Chinese researchers innovated, with one key breakthrough occurring in the Himalayas. The successful docking not only demonstrated China's growing prowess in space technology but also generated nationwide excitement, with millions tuning in to witness this momentous occasion.",
  "summary": "This article was first published on November 4, 2011. China a step closer to building its own space station by Stephen Chen Encouraged by yesterday (November 3, 2011) morning’s historic rendezvous and docking of the Shenzhou VIII spacecraft, Chinese authorities said construction of a space station will begin as soon as 2013. “We will do two more rendezvous and docking flights next year,” said Wu…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}