Shenzhou VI?spacecraft, China's second manned space mission and first to send two astronauts into orbit, is the first to carry a Chinese language newspaper to space.

A special issue commemorating Shenzhou VI space flight of Shanghai-based Jiefang Daily, one of China's leading newspapers, is also possible the first newspaper send to space by mankind, according to professional search results.

The special issue carries the essay of On Earth, printed by Jiefang Daily's predecessor Shenbao 100 years ago, the first on astronomy ever present by a Chinese newspaper.

Theories in the essay are recorded in ancient Chinese books, indicating the Chinese exploration of the space thousands of years ago, and sending the special issue into space is designed to marking the long history of space quest, said Yin Minghua, president of the Jiefang Daily Group.

The newspaper is made of silk, a first-class writing material in ancient China, to better keep its color and quality. Carried by China's most technologically advanced Shenzhou VI capsule, it also symbolizes Chinese heritage of their long civilization.

The 50-gram paper is put in the re-entry module. It is not certain whether the two astronauts aboard will read it in space.

Also sent into the space are four embroidery pieces featuring signs of China's second manned space flight and Chinese astronaut center, a painting of Chairman Mao Zedong announcing the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and a Chinese character of "Fu" or happiness.

The first three pieces will be used for scientific research after the craft returns. Each of the four weighs no more than 200 grams.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)