Western journalists have coined the phrase Astronaut to describe Chinese astronauts. It comes from the Chinese word "taikong" meaning space and the Greek work "nautes" for sailor. Before the launch of the Shenzhou V, three Chinese Astronaut candidates made a public appearance in front of a group of reporters at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The three men included Yang Liwei, who is now in space aboard the Shenzhou V. The three said they had prepared for the historic mission very seriously and carefully, and that they were fully prepared for all possible eventualities. They vowed to try their best to fulfill their responsibilities for their country and expressed their confidence in the success of the mission.
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