China's Shenzhou spacecraft

2003-10-15 07:25

Jiuquan, China - China's Shenzhou V spacecraft that carried Lieutenant Colonel Yang Liwei into orbit on Wednesday is an updated copy of the Russian vessel Soyuz, which the Soviets first launched 36 years ago.

Here are some details about Shenzhou.

Shenzhou means Divine Ship (God Vessel or Magic Vessel).

It has a dome-shaped design and is comprised of three modules: a forward orbital module, a re-entry module and a service module at the back.

The orbital module has a hatch where astronauts can exit, and carry out a spacewalk if required.

The ship can seat up to three people.

The first Shenzhou was launched on 19 November, 1999 and orbited the Earth 14 times before landing under parachute.

Three subsequent Shenzhou spacecrafts have been launched, leading up to the manned mission.

Shenzhou capsules have flown at altitudes from 196 to 334 kilometres.

The capsules are built by the state-run China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.

Shenzhou is said to have been named by former president Jiang Zemin.

The Shenzhou V spacecraft was launched by a Long March 2F rocket which have been used for years to ferry Earth orbit satellites.

- AFP