China's Shenzhou-7 mission passes final joint check

www.chinaview.cn 2008-09-23 16:19:35  ·Scientists simulated the ignition of the rocket and the in-flight moves of the capsule. ·The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft is scheduled for launch sometime between Sept. 25 and 30. ·A team of six "taikonauts" (astronauts) have arrived at Jiuquan.

    JIUQUAN, Gansu, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) --

China's Shenzhou-7 mission is ready for launch later this month after a final check of the spacecraft, the rocket and the ground operation system on Tuesday morning.

    Scientists simulated the ignition of the rocket and the in-flight moves of the capsule to test how the system and the observation, control and communication system at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center would work together.

    The rocket will be loaded with fuel after an overall quality review and approval of mission headquarters. All settings of the spacecraft and the observation, control and communication system will be frozen until the launch.

    The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft is scheduled for launch sometime between Sept. 25 and 30. The craft, its Long-March II-F carrier rocket and the escape tower were vertically transferred to the launch pad on Saturday.

    Cui Jijun, commander-in-chief of the ground operation team, said technicians checked the rocket and spacecraft on Monday to test the functions after the transfer. "All work well," he said.

    A team of six "taikonauts" (astronauts), including three selected crew and three back-ups, have arrived at Jiuquan. One of the taikonauts will conduct a space walk during the mission.

China's latest space mission finishes rehearsal

www.chinaview.cn 2008-09-22 23:53:10  

·The crew, who will conduct the first Chinese space walk, is waiting for a launch window. ·Monday's rehearsal involved scientists from all branches of the space project. ·The launch is scheduled between Sept. 25 and 30 at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

    JIUQUAN, Gansu, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's third manned space mission Shenzhou-7 finished its last rehearsal before blast-off.

    Now the crew, who will conduct the first Chinese space walk, is waiting for a launch window at a remote rocket base.

    Monday's rehearsal involved scientists from all branches of the space project including the carrier rocket and landing venue.

    After three hours of tests and safety examinations in the rehearsal, the mission has been given the green light.

    Depending on weather, the launch is scheduled between Sept. 25 and 30 at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Gansu Province.

    According to a report by China Central Television, six astronauts participated the rehearsal.

    Three pilots and three substitutes said they were fully confident to successfully accomplish the mission.

    A new satellite tracking ship will monitor the space shuttle's progress. The Yuangwang-6 set sail on April 12.

    Its sister ship, Yuanwang-5, which was put into use a year ago, will also monitor and control the Shenzhou-7 mission.

Editor: Yan