China's first manned spacecraft the Shenzhou Five is to be launched
as scheduled despite worries about the
SARS
epidemic.
Chief designers and directors of the mission gathered in Beijing
Friday to discuss preparations for the manned space-trip.
It
was announced at the meeting that preparations for the trip have
entered a crucial period, and related departments have taken strict
measures to ensure the safety of the whole process.
Researchers and technicians are currently accelerating development
and manufacturing of the Shenzhou spacecraft and Long March Two
carrier. Training of the astronauts is going on smoothly, and other
tests on the appliance system are being carried out.
(People's Daily May 10, 2003)