China is preparing to send two astronauts into space later this year. 14 potential astronauts have been training for the mission.
During a five-day round-the-clock test measuring the astronauts' physiological adaptability under micro-gravity conditions, all 14 trainees behaved well and passed the test.
At present, they have increased their training in weightless conditions and in fault repairs. China plans to send the Shenzhou-VI spacecraft into orbit in the second half of this year.
It will carry two astronauts and will stay in space for several days. The two astronauts on the mission will conduct scientific experiments in the orbit capsule of the spacecraft during the space flight, but there are no plans for space walks or other activities outside the spacecraft.
China's first, and to date, only, man in space, Yang Liwei, is also among the trainees.
(CCTV.com May 2, 2005)
