China to complete first spacewalk
Monday, 08 Sep 2008 11:50
Chinese astronauts will complete the country's first spacewalk
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Chinese astronauts will complete the country's first-ever spacewalk when the spacecraft Shenzhou-7 is launched later this month.
A spokesman for the Chinese space programme confirmed that the launch will take place between September 25th and 30th from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre.
The crew of the spacecraft are said to be in "good" physical and mental state and final preparations for the launch are taking place.
"All the major systems involved in the launching are now in the final preparation. The main tests for the spacecraft, the Long-March II-F rocket, suits for the space walk and a satellite accompanying the fly have also been finished," said the spokesman.
Once Shenzhou-7 enters its orbit, one of the three astronauts will conduct China's first spacewalk. Cameras will be mounted outside and inside the spacecraft to enable a live broadcast of the historic walk.
China successfully sent manned spacecraft into space in 2003 and 2005, making it the third nation after the US and Russia to send an astronaut into space.