A set of instruments, known as the "electronic secretary", in China's first manned spacecraft provided detailed data and spoken instructions for the country's first astronaut in space.

Experts with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, manufacturer of the spacecraft, described the system, which included three display panels, six meters, a computer system and a group of buttons.

Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut, returned to the Earth safe and sound on Oct. 16 after orbiting the planet 14 times in a Chinese-made spacecraft.

The electronic assistant provided him with data coming from inside and outside the capsule and alert messages in Chinese characters and voice instructions.

Graphics like the world map and the position of the spacecraft were available on the display panel at the push of a button.

The data included the altitude, speed, flight time, temperature and humidity and status of various systems inside the capsule as well as the physical condition on the astronaut.

The electronic device would alert the astronaut in both Chinese characters and short, clear and artificial mezzo-soprano voice instructions if data were not up to preset standards.

A stand-by electronic assistant was installed in the capsule, including a display panel and a computer system, said the experts.

A video monitor system in the capsule was also capable of providing much of the data if the two computer systems failed.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)