Long March rocket sent to launch site

Source: Shanghai Daily | 08-05-2008 15:15

A Long March 2F rocket designed to carry China's third manned spacecraft into orbit was sent to a launch site in Gansu Province this morning.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. [File photo: Xinhua]

Experts scheduled to examine the spacecraft's seven major systems have arrived at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and preparations for the October launch are going smoothly, Xinhuanet.com said today.

The special train carrying the Long March 2F rocket and about 80 technicians reached Jiuquan last night after traveling for three days.

Compared with Shenzhou VI, China's second manned space mission with a crew of two, Shenzhou VII has more stringent technological requirements as one of its three astronauts is scheduled to perform the country's first ever space walk. With this in mind, scientists have made 36 technological improvements to Shenzhou VII.