Chinese Shenzhou-7 astronauts return to Earth

William Atkins
Sunday, 28 September 2008 19:17

Science - Space

Approximately 45 minutes after the craft landed, the astronauts emerged from inside. They were reported to be in good health after their three-day trip into space.

The first Chinese spacewalker, mission commander and Chinese astronaut Zhai Zhigang, said after landing, "It was a glorious mission, full of challenges but the result is perfect. I'm proud of my country.” [ChinaDaily.com.cn]

His fellow space travelers on their 68-hour flight into space aboard their Shenzhou (“sacred vessel”) spacecraft included Liu Boming (orbit module astronaut) and Jing Haipeng (descent module monitor astronaut).

Upon the successful completion of the mission and spacewalk, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao stated, "The complete success of the manned Shenzhou VII is a great stride forward for China's space technology.”

He added, “Chinese people have ceaselessly sought the peaceful development and use of space technology.” [Reuters: “China's spacewalk astronauts return as heroes”]

This mission for the Chinese included the first spacewalk, the first mission with three astronauts, and the first time a Chinese-developed spacesuit  ("Feitian") was used for the extra-vehicular activity (EVA).

The next goal for the Chinese manned space program, headed by its China National Space Administration (CNSA), is to assemble a small space station from two Shenzhou orbital modules.