The rocket carrying Shenzhou VI, the PRC's last successful manned venture into space, stands in its assembly bay at a factory in Jiuquan, shortly before its October 12, 2005 launch.

To the Moon

Five nations and a multinational European team set their sights on our nearest celestial neighbors — but the U.S. has since pulled out of the race

Enter
Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.