China unveils Shenzhou-12 astronauts for space station mission(1/4)

This file photo shows Chinese astronauts Tang Hongbo (L) Nie Haisheng (C), and Liu Boming. (Photo provided to China News Service)

China will launch its Shenzhou-12 spacecraft, carrying the three astronauts, to China's space station on Thursday, announced the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) at a press conference Wednesday.

This will be the first manned mission during the construction of China's space station, said Ji Qiming, director assistant of the CMSA.

This file photo shows Chinese astronauts Liu Boming. (Photo provided to China News Service)

This file photo shows Chinese astronauts Nie Haisheng. (Photo provided to China News Service)

This file photo shows Chinese astronaut Tang Hongbo. (Photo provided to China News Service)