Shenzhou 7 completes orbit maneuver

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-26-2008 20:49

Shenzhou 7 completed a maneuver to adjust its orbit just after four o'clock this morning Beijing time. China's third manned spacecraft has now entered a circular orbit, 343 kilometers above the Earth.

Shenzhou 7 completed a maneuver to adjust its orbit just  after four o'clock this morning Beijing time.

The maneuver was carried out under the precise control of the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in the Chinese capital. The whole process, which took about two minutes, was completed without a glitch. The physical condition of all three astronauts was normal, including body temperature and blood pressure.

Li Yili, researcher of Beijing Aerospace Technology Institute, said, "The successful orbit shift is a vital step in the Shenzhou 7 mission. The spacecraft has entered into our prescribed orbit, which is the most easy to monitor from the mission control. We are now very confident that the extravehicular activity will be carried out exactly as scheduled."

The orbital adjustment has enabled the spaceship to move into a round orbit from an oval one. The astronauts are set to make preparations for the expected space walk.

Tong Bin, deputy chief engineer of Beijing Aerospace Control Center, said, "So far, everything is normal. The orbit shift was very successful. And the communications between the spaceship and mission control are normal."

Earlier, Shenzhou 7 had successfully unfolded its solar panel wings above South America. Compared with the previous mission, Shenzhou 7 carries less solar panels. And designers have taken measures to increase the efficiency in the use of energy.

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Editor:Zhang Ning