World will watch closely - as Chinese space station might soon be 'only one in orbit'
This marks the 15th crewed flight of the Shenzhou mission, and its 20th launch overall since it started three decades ago.
It has a 100% success rate - and other nations will be keenly watching today's developments.
Astrophysicist Dr Maggie Liu said this will be especially true with the "wind-down" of the International Space Station, which is scheduled for decommission in 2030.
"This at one point might be the only space station that we have left in orbit," she told our presenter Matt Barbet, referring to China's space station.
"So it will require international people joining this mission, working together to have access to this research facility - it is a laboratory after all."
The Tiangong - or "Heavenly Palace" - space station was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the ISS over US national security concerns.
China's space program is controlled by the People's Liberation Army, which is the military branch of the ruling Communist Party.