China to launch Shenzhou-7 spacecraft on Thursday

Source: Xinhua | 09-24-2008 14:46

JIUQUAN, Gansu, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- China will launch its third manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Thursday, a spokesperson with China's manned space program said on Wednesday.

One of the major tasks of the mission would be extravehicular activity (EVA), or known as space walk, the first of its kind attempted by Chinese taikonauts (astronauts), said Wang Zhaoyao.

Other tasks included the release of a small monitoring satellite and trials of satellite data relay, said Wang, also deputy director of China's manned space program office.

The Shenzhou-7, carrying three taikonauts, will be launched on a Long-March II-F carrier rocket and then moved into orbit at an altitude of 343 kilometers.

Two taikonauts would enter the orbital module, where they would put on EVA spacesuits and prepare for the extravehicular activities. One taikonaut would be donned with Chinese-made Feitian EVA suit and the other with a Russian Orlan suit.

"One taikonaut will get out of the cabin and take back the test samples loaded outside the module," Wang said.

"After the EVA is completed, the spacecraft will release a small monitoring satellite. A trial of the data relay of satellite Tianlian I will also be carried out," Wang said.

The Shenzhou-7 is scheduled to land in the central area of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China after its mission is completed, Wang said.

The Shenzhou-7 crew had finished their last rehearsal and a final check of the spacecraft, rocket and ground observation and control system had been completed.

The crew is scheduled to meet the press at Jiuquan launch center 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

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Editor:Zhang Ning