It’s the Chinese government’s most ambitious and expensive project ever undertaken, part of a secretive wing of the People’s Liberation Army. They call it Project 921 – the manned space program of China. With deep pockets, political commitment, and grand ambitions, many believe that China could take the lead in the race into space.

Astronauts training in capsule. Photo Credit Crsit Qin Xian’an

In a world exclusive CNN special, Beijing correspondent David McKenzie takes viewers inside Space City and gets an unusually intimate look into the world of the Chinese astronaut. He sits down with three of China’s most celebrated astronauts as they share their triumphs and disappointments.  

Checking space suits are airtight. Photo Credit Crsit Qin Xian’an

“As an astronaut, I have a very strong desire to fly space missions with astronauts from other countries. I also look forward to the opportunity to go onto the International Space Station. Of course China is building its own space station. I also hope astronauts from other countries can one day come to China to fly to our own station,” said Nie Haisheng, commander of the Shenzhou-10 space mission.