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Yang Liwei confirms launch date of spaceship
(www.orobotics.cn)
Updated: 2005-09-18 16:50
China's second manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI is
scheduled to be launched in mid-October, the nation's first astronaut Yang
Liwei said.
Citizens of Nanjing
look at the return capsule of Shenzhou V on a space exhibition Saturday.
[newsphoto] |
The launch date of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft, a focus of the
country, was first disclosed as early October by an official in
July and then revamped as mid-october by an official two weeks
ago.
The mission is supposed to last five to seven days with two astronauts on
board, Yang revealed when meeting with military officers in Nanjing on
Saturday. Yang came to the city to attend a space exhibition.
"I will not take this mission." Yang said, citing the reason to
make way for young astronauts.
In the space, astronauts of Shenzhou VI will for the first time enter the
craft's orbit capsule instead of being stuck within the return capsule as Yang
did on his 21-hour space trip two years ago onboard the Shenzhou V craft.
According to Yang, the journey on Shenzhou VI would be more
comfortable. Heated food, sleeping bags and essential sanitary equipment
would become available on the spacecraft. Astronauts also afford the time for
alternated sleep.
Starting from next year, China is to begin a major recruitment of
astronauts, among whom are a portion of women.
Yang also said China's training for astronauts is the hardest among
others in the world.
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