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China opens new chapter in space history
(AFP/Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-13 07:18
China launched its second manned space mission, sending two astronauts into
orbit as it opened a new chapter in its ambitious drive to become a global space
power.
Shenzhou VI lifted off on a Long March 2F carrier rocket from Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Center at 9 am (0100 GMT) for a five-day mission carrying air
force pilots Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng.
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![China's second manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI blasts off into the sky Wednesday morning October 12, 2005. The craft, carrying astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, is expected to orbit the Earth for five days. [Xinhua]](xin_101002121021545105686.jpg)
China's second
manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI blasts off into the sky Wednesday morning
October 12, 2005. The craft, carrying astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie
Haisheng, is expected to orbit the Earth for five days.
[Xinhua]
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It entered a fixed orbit 21 minutes later.
The first day's flight is satisfying, the Xinhua News Agency quoted space
experts as saying.
The spacecraft enjoyed normal electricity supply and maintained its basic
functions after entering the orbit, said the experts.
The astronauts smoothly completed their actions as planned, such as taking on
and off the space suits, opening the capsule doors, eating, drinking and
sleeping, Xinhua said
The capability of the spacecraft to shift orbit also stood the test.
The two astronauts will Thursday be engaged in an anti-disturbance experiment
in which Fei and Nie will open and close the capsule doors, take on and off
their space suits and operate various equipments.
They would purposely use more strength to move, so as to test the disturbance
of people's movement on the spacecraft.
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