Chinese leaders鈥congratulations

cctv.com 10-12-2005 11:18

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and other senior leaders have extended congratulations to those behind the successful launch of the country's second manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-6.

Nearly a half hour after Shenzhou-6 was sent into its designated orbit, the launch site in Jiuquan, Northwest China's Gansu province, announced the launch of country's second manned space mission -- had gone according to plan.

Chen Binde, member of CPC central military commission, said: "According to data gathered by China's aeronautic monitoring network, I now solemnly announce that the launch of Shenzhou-6 has been successful. "

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in his speech afterwards that China will play a bigger role in space exploitation. He said: "The whole nation has been anticipating this day and the world has been closely watching! We now can proudly say that the launch is a success. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the central government, I want to extend congratulations to everyone who's been working so hard to achieve the goal. It's a noble sense of mission that's been motivating them to achieve breakthrough after breakthrough so that China's manned space flights can go so far. Their contributions will be remembered by history. China's manned space flights are strong testaments that China wants to contribute more in mankind's science and peace advancement. But I still want to remind you that further challenges are still ahead. I hope everyone can continue working hard to ensure the normal orbiting of the spacecraft as well as the safe return of the astronauts. "

Two other members of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee, Li Changchun and Luo Gan, also watched the lift-off at the Command Center in Jiuquan. Shenzhou-6 is expected to return to earth on Monday, after a 5-day space journey.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com