China has sent its first woman into space on a mission to dock with an orbiting station, the latest step in an ambitious programme to go to the moon and on to Mars.

Photo: China's first female astronaut Liu Yang, waves during a sending off ceremony before she departs for the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft rocket launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, China, Saturday, June 16, 2012. China will send its first woman and two other astronauts into space Saturday to work on a temporary space station for about a week, in a key step toward becoming only the third nation to set up a permanent base in orbit. (Photo by Ng Han Guan/AP Photo)

Kika-evolution, 5, an Auguste clown, poses for a photo during Mexico’s 17th annual clown convention, La Feria de la Risa, in Mexico City, October 23, 2012. Approximately 500 clowns gathered at two local theaters in the capital city to exchange ideas, compete for laughs and show off their comedy performances. (Photo by Anita Baca/AP Photo)

Mr. Grindell Matthews with his latest invention, the new photographic gun which is the latest development in sky signs. 1933. It can throw a beam of light 15 miles into the sky. (Photo by Fox Photos)

In addition to the publication of «146 West End Stars Hold A Flashmob In Trafalgar Square». Good people have sent us exclusive photos of the event (and to prepare for it). Many thanks to Christopher Voodhams, and the author of these wonderful photos – photographer Eduardo Carrasco! (Photos by medialabs.net).

Color dyed rabbits are seen in the markets of the Souq Waqif on January 12, 2011 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

A woman sits next to a Gollum figure on the “Middle-earth Shuttle” subway train November 18, 2003 in New York City. The train's cars were decorated with Middle-earth creatures, vines, moss and stones to celebrate the November 18 DVD and VHS release of the Special Extended Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

In modern Russia there are no free elections, therefore the political elite is almost constant.

Photo: Valentina Matvienko, Mayor of St. Petersburg, attends the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 17, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Global business leaders have gathered in Russia for the three-day conference. (Photo by Alexander Aleshkin/Epsilon/Getty Images)

The International Garden Photographer of the Year has announced the winner of their Black & White Photo Project 2019. Here: Blue Tit, Criccieth, Wales. (Photo by Alan Price/The International Garden Photographer of the Year)