Divine Vessel

• China to launch longest-ever space mission

  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.

• China may send its first woman into space

  China may send its first woman into space this year after including female astronauts in the team training for its first manned space docking, state media said on Monday.