China plans more missions

cctv.com 10-17-2005 14:08

Chinese space authorities have said that the success of the Shenzhou 6 mission, proves China's space technology has passed a key test. Now, the country will play a more active role in international cooperation for space exploration. This message came from a news conference held by the State Council Information Office, shortly after the two astronauts returned to Beijing.

The director of China's Manned-Space Engineering Office, Tang Xianming, reviewed Shenzhou 6's five-day journey in space. He said the ground control center kept close contact with the two astronauts during the whole journey, noting that their physical conditions were good and the spacecraft's performance was satisfying. He said that command and control centers in China, and monitoring bases inside and outside the country, helped guarantee the safety of the mission.

Tang said, "The smooth operation and the eventual success of the Shenzhou 6 space flight demonstrates that China has mastered the core technologies of manned space flights, at a more advanced level. It also shows that China is fully capable of achieving breakthroughs in state-of-the-art technologies and can contribute more to the high-tech development in the world."

Tang Xianming also outlined China's plans for space exploitation plans in the coming years.

Tang added, "According to our strategic plans, our astronauts will be able to leave their capsules and walk in space around 2007. In the period from 2009 to 2012, we plan to launch precision-target spacecrafts and realize the docking of spacecrafts in their designated orbits. And we are going to have female astronauts."

Tang also said that China will have closer cooperation with technology-savvy countries.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com