Chief designer: Shenzhou 7 a milestone for China

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-24-2008 12:58

The lead designer of China's manned space project says the Shenzhou-7 mission marks an important step in the development of the nation's manned space technology. Zhou Jianping says with the success of the mission, China will be able to conduct long-term and sustainable manned space projects.

Shenzhou-7 will carry three astronauts(CCTV.com)

China's inaugural manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-5, was launched in 2003 with the country's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, on board. Two years later, Shenzhou-6 was launched, with two astronauts on board.   The man who's behind each step in China's development in manned space missions says the increase in the number of astronauts marks a crucial breakthrough.

Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China Manned Space Priject, said, "The primary goal of the Shenzhou-7 mission is our breakthrough in extra-vehicular activities.  With 3 astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-7 spaceship, we will be able to thoroughly test its full-capacity performance for the first time. While the spaceship is travelling along the designated orbit, our astronauts will put on their space suits and conduct a spacewalk. This will be an indicator that China has mastered a core of manned space technology."