2016 : China launches Shenzhou 10 spaceship from base in Gobi Desert . Three crew sent into space for China 's fifth and longest crewed mission . Mission is to test technology related to constructing a space station . China 's entry into space underscores growing financial and military clout .
NEW : China launches Shenzhou 10 spaceship from base in Gobi Desert . Three astronauts sent into space for China 's fifth and longest crewed mission . Mission seeks to test technology related to constructing a space station . China 's march into space underscores growing financial and military clout .