Official: Shenzhou VI to be launched soon
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-09-07 08:55

China might launch its second manned space mission later this month or next month, a space official said Tuesday in Shanghai.

A spacesuit is on display at a space exhibition in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on April 24, 2005. [newsphoto]

"The launch of Shenzhou VI spacecraft could be in September or October, " said Zhang Qingwei, president of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the Shanghai Morning Post reported

Space authorities were carrying out various tests on the craft, and the final launch time will be adjusted according to the test results, according to Zhang.

The potential astronauts for the mission will enter the Shenzhou VI craft in the real tests which will also involve the adaptability of the spacemen and ground command process, according to Zhang.

Several pairs of potential astranauts have been selected, but the final pair will be decided on based on their performance in real tests, said Zhang.

A flag for the 2010 World Expo to be held in Shanghai will be carried into the sky, according to Zhang, adding that Shanghai citizens will probably have the chance to see the articles that will go with Shenzhou VI soon.

China became the third nation to successfully send a man into space in October 2003, when astronaut Yang Liwei orbited the Earth 14 times on the Shenzhou V spacecraft.

Close

Relief materials from China heading to the US Gas burning kills 17 miners in Shanxi Blair tries football skills among Chinese kids

Today's Top News     Top China News
Growing energy moves by China make U.S. angry         Official: Shenzhou VI to be launched soon         New Orleans after Katrina: Back to Stone Age         Blair senses sea change in China visit         Iraqi Leader: Saddam confessed to crimes         Airbus, banking deals cement China-EU ties	StanChart takes 19.9% stake in Bohai Bank       Official: Shenzhou VI to be launched soon       Lifting arms embargo on long-term agenda       Legislation key to epidemic control       Nation to join EU in pension project       Mock trial highlights court process