Backgrounder: Development of China´s manned space flights

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With Shenzhou-6, however, astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng spent five days in space, facing several challenges and difficulties.

Among the crew's on board amenities were hot food, sleeping bags and essential sanitary equipment:

1. The sleeping bag was hooked to a wall of the orbit cabin and the crew had alternating sleep periods.

2. Fei and Nie had a far wider range of food available to them. Rice was the staple, beef cooked and vegetables were also on the menu along with coffee, green tea, orange juice and fruit. Two years ago, Yang had nothing more than moon-cakes and cold water.

3. The most important improvement was that the astronauts entered the orbit cabin for the first time from the re-entry module, taking off their heavy space suits and conducting experiments and scientific research in work clothes in the cabin.

For Shenzhou-6, more than 110 technical modifications were made based on the experience of Shenzhou-5, improving the comfort and safety of manned space flights.

Shenzhou-5 was a historical breakthrough in China's space program and Shenzou-6 was another major milestone. The flights marked China's entry into the era of manned scientific experiments in space.

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Editor:Zhang Ning