Long March-2F rockets ready for final test

Source: CCTV.com | 07-19-2008 14:00

China's Long March-2F carrier rocket is designed to launch the country's Shenzhou 7 spacecraft. The Long March-2F is now ready for its final test, which is set to take place at the Jiu-quan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province during the next few days. This is considered the start of the final preparation stage of China's manned space mission.

China's Long March-2F carrier rocket is designed to  launch the country's Shenzhou 7 spacecraft.  (Photo: CCTV.com)

A ceremony was held in Beijing on Saturday, as scientists and the Long March 2F carrier rocket are scheduled to head to the launch center for the final test.

During the ceremony, scientists and technicians wrote down their pledges for the mission and posted them on a board, which reads "I want to fly better."

That is the goal of the scientists, as they aim to make the rocket more reliable. And it was also the slogan of Saturday's ceremony.

The scientists say the final preparations in Jiuquan are crucial.

The Long March-2F is China's largest carrier rocket. It is as tall as a 20-storey building, with a payload of eight tons. It undertook China's Shenzhou 6 space mission successfully, and is seen as the country's most reliable rocket.

The rocket was selected as the carrier that will send the Shenzhou 7 spacecraft into space, with three astronauts. One of these astronauts is expected to be the first Chinese person to walk in space, as part of the second stage of the country's manned space mission.

In order to ensure the mission goes off without a hitch, over 30 improvements were made on the rocket ahead of its trip to Jiuquan.

One of the improvements is aimed at eliminating rocket vibrations after its launching.

The chief designer also says scientists have been trying to ensure that the rocket will avoid any unforeseen hazards, as it enters the planned orbit, for the safety of the astronauts.

　Interactive:  Be part of China's journey to space!

Editor:Liu Fang