"Shenzhou III," China's third unmanned spacecraft that can carry
out all the functions of a manned craft, was launched successfully
Monday night, symbolizing another milestone in China's space
science and technology.
President Jiang Zemin watched the launch of spacecraft Monday night
at the launch center in northwest China's Gansu
Province.
The spacecraft was boosted by the "Long March II F" carrier rocket
into a pre-set orbit at 22:15 Monday in Jiuquan.
At
the launch site, Jiang extended his congratulations to scientists
and technologists, as well as servicemen of the People's Liberation
Army (PLA).
Space experts said that "Shenzhou III" was "technically suitable
for astronauts." A set of metabolic simulation apparatus, human
physical monitoring sensors and dummy astronauts have been
installed aboard the spaceship.
During the test launch, space scientists for the first time tested
the escape system, which could save the lives of astronauts.
After watching the lift-off, Jiang said the successful launch
showed the Chinese people's spirit of constantly striving to become
stronger.
Jiang said the CPC Central Committee decided to carry out the
manned space program a decade ago.
The Chinese-made "Long March" carrier rockets and "Shenzhou"
spacecraft represent the country's scientific and technological
achievements, he said.
China has established a spacecraft application system, a
state-of-the-art space launch site, a spacecraft monitoring and
controlling network and a spacecraft landing system, as well as a
group of astronauts, Jiang said.
Jiang encouraged the scientists and technologists to upgrade the
country's scientific and technological level and improve national
might.
During the craft's outer-space travel, a series of scientific and
technological experiments are planned in "Shenzhou III," which
consists of an orbital module, re-entry module, propulsion section
and access section.
Scientists with the Chinese Academy of
Sciences (CAS) have planned experiments on life sciences, space
materials, space astronomy, space physics and microgravity
research.
After separation from the re-entry module, the orbital module will
continue circling the Earth for several months.
Officers in charge of the China Manned Space Program said
Shenzhou's flight was being tracked and controlled from the Beijing
Aerospace Direction and Control Center, Xi'an Satellite Monitoring
Center and a fleet of four monitoring vessels, which have been
deployed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
Monday's launch followed the second test flight of an unmanned
spacecraft 14 months ago. The country's maiden unmanned space
flight took place in November 1999.
At
around 10:25 pm, "Shenzhou III" detached itself from the launch
vehicle. A technician then clicked his computer mouse to send a
command to the spacecraft, immediately guiding it to fly to its
pre-set orbit.
A
chain of other tele-commands were sent from the command center to
steer the flight and operate the spacecraft.
At
10:33 pm, three-dimensional images and data displayed on a huge
computer screen at the Beijing center indicated that the spacecraft
had precisely entered its pre-set orbit.
Tracking networks on land and at sea reported to the command center
that the rocket and spacecraft were responding well to commands,
eliciting thunderous applause from scientists and control staff at
the center.
The spaceship is expected to circle the earth once every 90
minutes. It will fly in space for a couple of days before
landing.
Monday's launch constituted part of China's ambitious manned
mission project, which aims to finally construct a
permanently-attended space station, said an official at the Beijing
Aerospace Control Center.
(China
Daily March 26, 2002)