The orbital module of Shenzhou II, China's second unmanned space shuttle launched on January 10, is operating normally in space following the successful return of the descent module of the spacecraft Tuesday.

At 18:23 (Beijing time) Tuesday, the orbital section was separated from the descent module following the original plan.

Under the command of the ground-based monitoring network, the power-generating, placing, measuring, data management systems and various scientific instruments loaded into the module are operating normally at press time.

Experts revealed that a series of scientific data have been obtained from the scientific instruments.

Putting the orbital module in operation after the return of the shuttle is an important technological measure, which will benefit the space flight program, experts noted.

The orbital module will operate in orbit for a certain period of time according to the original plan.

Shenzhou II consists of three modules, namely, a forward orbital section, a descent module and a rear propulsion module.

The return of Shenzhou II marked the success of the second voyage of China's unmanned space flight programs, following "Shenzhou I", which made a 21-hour space journey in November 1999.

(People's Daily 01/17/01)