The launch of "Shenzhou IV" manned spacecraft has been listed on the agenda next year, and the countdown for the relevant supporting work has also started. "Training for the space mission is going very well and according to schedule," said Yang Liwei, China's first spaceman.

According to Yang, the training is very successful and is first-rate. Prior to the launch of "Shenzhou VI", the astronauts will be able to complete their training on time and meet the requirements to greet the spacecraft's launching next year. With the "Shenzhou V" experiences, we could train the astronauts in accordance with Shenzhou VI' special characteristics. Currently, we have more rigorous training with more perfect contents and plan.

Yuanwang II Space and Ocean Instrumentation vessel, which completed the "Shenzhou V" mission, is now preparing for the tracking and controlling mission on sea for "Shenzhou VI".

Jian Shilong, director of China Marine Satellite Observing and Controlling Department, said that the project of "Shenzhou VI" manned spacecraft is not a simple repetition of the "Shenzhou V", and it will have more astronauts on board and long duration in space. The more than 40 cycles flying around the earth will bring bigger challenges to the marine mission of Yuanwang vessel. To ensure the successful launching of "Shenzhou VI", crew has been readjusted in Yuanwang vessel with emphasis on training, and maintenance and transformation of the equipment.

By People's Daily Online