China began its first man-tended scientific experiments in space on Wednesday, including life and physical exercises in weightless conditions and biological cell tests.
Fei Junlong aboard the Shenzhou VI spacecraft entered the orbital capsule from the return capsule at around 6 PM (Beijing Time) on Wednesday, nine hours after liftoff, a significant breakthrough of China's space technology.
The move would enable Fei, 40, on China's second manned space mission along with Nie Haisheng, to shake off his heavy space suit and conduct experiments and scientific research in work clothes in the capsule.
Nie Haisheng in the return capsule took pictures of the orbital capsule with a digital camera after taking off space suit and putting on blue work clothes.
Yang Liwei, the country's first man in space, was fastened to his chair, sat in the same position for 21 hours during the mission two years ago on Shenzhou V to make sure that everything worked in space and on the ground.
Chen Shanguang, chief of the astronaut system of China's Manned Space Program, said the experiments were designed to explore ways for astronauts to get used to life in space, where eating and walking may be very difficult and cause problems in weightless conditions.
Life in the two manned space missions is also much different. Yang had nothing more than specially-prepared moon-cake and cold water to eat and drink in China's first manned space mission, but Fei and Nie can enjoy hot meals in the second mission.
Wang Yongzhi, chief designer of China's Manned Space Program, said the two astronauts will bring back to the Earth the data on the tests, which is a must for China to build a permanent man-tended space laboratory, the ultimate goal of the country's current space program.
Zhang Qingwei, deputy chief commander of China's Manned Space Program, said China would strive for breakthroughs in space rendezvous and docking technology for launching a space lab and eventually a manned space station following a unspecified number of manned space missions.
A manned space station will enable China to carry out large-scale scientific experiments and applications in space, said Zhang, citing the plan for manned space program approved by the Chinese authorities in 1992.
Zhang, also general manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CAST), said the space plans are necessary for China to exploit space resources for peaceful purposes.
Space-based infrastructure, including the planned space lab and station, will serve as a platform for deep space probe, he said.
Space technology has boosted China's social and economic development in the past three decades as China's developed a series of civilian satellites, including those for telecommunications, broadcasting, weather forecasting and scientific experiments.
Plant seeds aboard the country's recoverable satellites help scientists develop improved varieties of vegetables and crops, including tomatoes and green peppers.
China has attached great importance to science and technology for better varieties of crops so produce more and better food for its growing population, which totals 1.3 billion.
The two Chinese astronauts, who were sent into orbit from northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, are scheduled to stay in space for up to five days.
Hu Shixiang, deputy commander in chief of China's Manned Space Program, said each innovation or scientific achievement by China will help promote the world's scientific progress.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2005)
