China's fourth unmanned spacecraft, "Shenzhou IV", was operating normally and the scientific trials abroad was proceeding smoothly, a Chinese astronautical scientist said Tuesday.

The "Shenzhou IV" spacecraft had made 29 circuits of Earth in its preset orbit by 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to Xi Zheng, director of the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center (BACCC).

Viewed from the large screen at the control center, the spacecraft was flying at an even speed. Image transmission was recorded normally.

Since the spacecraft entered its preset orbit, the BACCC has sent it a series of instructions, guiding the spacecraft to complete certain maneuvers.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2003)