Tracking Shenzhou 6

cctv.com 10-17-2005 08:58

Before the launch of Shenzhou-6, Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders met the astronauts. The premier wished the astronauts success and a safe return.

Wen said, "Comrades, be confident. Stay cool, calm and collected. Be strong and decisive, and create another success story. The nation is expecting your successful return!"

Fei Junlong, Shenzhou 6 astronaut said, "Thank you Premier Wen, and other leaders. We're grateful for the concern of the Party and the people. We will follow our orders, remain cool and decisive and carefully carry out our mission and make it a success. Please rest assured that we will make it!"

At nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, the Shenzhou 6 spacecraft successfully blasted off from Northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Ten minutes later, it separated from the rocket and entered the earth's orbit at an altitude of over 300 kilometers. The head of China's General Armaments Department and Director of the nation's manned space program declared the launch a success.

Nearly seven hours later, Shenzhou 6 moved from an elliptical orbit into a circular orbit. The adjustment to the flight path is important for telemetric work, including transmitting data captured by instrumentation and measuring devices to a remote station where it is recorded and analyzed. After the change, the orbiting trajectory will be the same on the first, third and fifth days, which will help the spacecraft return to the priority landing site. It is also easier to make an emergency return plan for a spaceship on a circular orbit than on an elliptical one.

Later on Wednesday, the two astronauts had a conversation with their families back here on Earth.

Wang Jie, Fei Junlong'S wife, said, "We're all pleased to see both of you are in good spirits. And we're so proud of you. Everyone in the family is fine. We hope you'll carry out the task given to you by the motherland and return smoothly."

Fei Junlong thanked his family for their support and said he would do everything possible to carry out the mission successfully and share his excitement.

Fei said, "Sure! I've taken a lot of photos of our beautiful Earth. We'll enjoy them together when I get back."

Nie Haisheng's wife wished her husband a very special happy 41st birthday. And his daughter sang her best wishes.

Since Thursday morning, Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng have carried out a series of experiments in the capsule. They included closing and reopening the internal capsule door, moving between the orbital and re-entry capsules, testing the condensation water extraction system, putting on and taking off their space suits and taking self-administered blood pressure tests.

On Saturday afternoon, President Hu Jintao spoke by telephone with the two astronauts from the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center. The president praised their performance, and wished them a triumphant return.

Hu said, "The successful launch and operations of the Shenzhou-6, China's second manned spacecraft, is the result of all your joint efforts. The motherland and the people thank you all for your work. I hope you make persistent and all-out efforts to do a good follow-up job, to ensure the safe and smooth return of the re-entry module and the two astronauts to win the final victory of this manned space flight mission. Let's unite together and strive hard for more successes."

Fei Junlong, Shenzhou 6 astronaut, said, "Thanks for your concern and the support of the people, I promise we will fulfill the mission."

After the dialogue, President Hu Jintao made a brief speech to the staff, urging the scientists to ensure the safe and smooth return of the re-entry module and the two astronauts aboard.

Later on Saturday, the two astronauts transmitted digital video pictures to the ground control center. The pictures show the surface of the Earth, as well as the panoramic changes as the sun rises and sets.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com