A set of instruments, known as the "electronic secretary", in
China's first manned spacecraft provided detailed data and spoken
instructions for the country's first astronaut in space.
Experts with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp,
manufacturer of the spacecraft, described the system, which
included three display panels, six meters, a computer system and a
group of buttons.
Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut, returned to the Earth safe
and sound on Oct. 16 after orbiting the planet 14 times in a
Chinese-made spacecraft.
The electronic assistant provided him with data coming from
inside and outside the capsule and alert messages in Chinese
characters and voice instructions.
Graphics like the world map and the position of the spacecraft
were available on the display panel at the push of a button.
The data included the altitude, speed, flight time, temperature
and humidity and status of various systems inside the capsule as
well as the physical condition on the astronaut.
The electronic device would alert the astronaut in both Chinese
characters and short, clear and artificial mezzo-soprano voice
instructions if data were not up to preset standards.
A stand-by electronic assistant was installed in the capsule,
including a display panel and a computer system, said the
experts.
A video monitor system in the capsule was also capable of
providing much of the data if the two computer systems failed.
(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)
