Full coverage: China Tiangong-2 Space Lab Launch

China has launched its sixth manned spacecraft at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province. President Xi Jinping sent his congratulations from Goa, India where he has been attending the BRICS Summit. He encouraged Chinese scientists to carry on with the country’s space program.

The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying China's Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Oct. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong will conduct a series of tasks and experiments over the course of their 33-day mission.

The Shenzhou 11 spacecraft, atop a Long March carrier rocket, is now lifting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The capsule, atop an upgraded Long March carrier rocket, blasted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 7:30 a.m. After 585 seconds of flying, the space capsule successfully entered its designated orbit, 393 kilometers above earth.

“According to the Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, the rocket is flying as planned. Shenzhou-11 has entered orbit. The solar panel unfolded as normal. The astronauts are well. Now I declare the launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft a success,” said Zhang Youxia, chief commander of China's Manned Space Program.

A see-off ceremony was held at the astronauts’ training facilities hours before the launch. Fan Changlong, vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission, attended the ceremony and extended good wishes to the two astronauts.

“I believe you will accomplish the glorious and tough task. We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return,” Fan said.

“We will complete the mission resolutely. We ask commanders and the people of China to rest assured,” Jing said.

Two days later, Shenzhou-11 will dock with the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2, where the astronauts will carry out series of medical and scientific experiments. Tiangong 2 is now in its operational orbit awaiting the arrival of Shenzhou 11.

The mission’s main objective this time is testing the rendezvous and docking technologies for the country’s planned space station, verifying the life support capability of the spacecraft-space lab combination, conducting scientific research, and testing of engineering experiment.