Full coverage: China Tiangong-2 Space Lab Launch

China's Aerospace Control Center says China's Shenzhou-11 has entered orbit and is in good condition.

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 in the morning.

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, 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.

"Reported by astronaut Chen Dong," said astronant Chen Dong.

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.