China´s taikonaut becomes national legend

cctv.com 10-16-2003 13:28

Yang Liwei's day-long journey into the big beyond was not just a trip into outer space. His place as China's first taikonaut has propelled him into national legend and turned him into a symbol of a new generation.

Yang Liwei has been training for several years as part of the country's first generation of astronauts but, before this week, his name was unknown to the general public. Now there are few in China who don't know of him. With the launch and landing of the Shenzhou V spacecraft, Yang Liwei has becoming a national hero.

A Beijing resident said:: " We are all inspired by his bravery. His spirit will encourage us to meet more challenges."

An university student said: " Yang Liwei has done something that Chinese have dreamed of for so many years. He will make the history."

When the former Soviet Union sent Yuri Gagarin, the first man, up to the space in 1961, Yang Liwei was not even born. He might not have expected that one day, he could be the man fulfilling a long-held national dream of journey into space.

Before taking the mission, CCTV had an exclusive interview with the taikonaut. He appeared confident and relaxed.

With a column of smoke, Yang Liwei took the Shenzhou V into another era. He has become a source of intense national interest.

"I feel good" were the first words he sent back from space.

A husband and father, the 38-year old Lieutenant Colonel put in a truly long distance call - he sent this visual message from outer space.

The manned mission has made China the third member of an elite group of nations capable of sending humans into space.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com