China launches second manned mission

China's Shenzhou VI manned mission into space carrying two astronauts lifts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, in China's Gansu province yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Shenzhou VI, based on Soviet Soyuz technology, lifted off on a Long March 2F carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre at 9:00 am (0100 GMT) for a five-day mission, carrying air force pilots Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng.

It entered a fixed orbit 21 minutes later.

Having two crew on board is a departure from October 2003, when Yang Liwei spent 21 hours on a solo odyssey -- a mission that made China only the third country after the United States and the former Soviet Union to send a man into space.

"I feel good," said Fei in his first transmission from the craft.

Fei, 40, and Nie, 41, were seen off at the launch pad by Premier Wen Jiabao, who said he believed "the astronauts will accomplish the glorious and sacred mission."

"The entire nation has waited, the entire world is watching the success of the Shenzhou VI manned space launch," he said, adding the "great achievement" would go down "in the annals of the history of the Chinese people."

Amid some concern that China could use space for military purposes, Wen said this was not the case.

"China's entering into the scientific experiment of space flight is entirely for peaceful purposes and is a contribution towards the human race's works in promoting science and peace," he said.

Other top leaders including President Hu Jintao and Vice President Zeng Qinglong watched the event at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Centre, Chinese mission control.