The coming space flight of China's Shenzhou-6 aims to carry out three major tasks, chief designer of China's manned space program said here Tuesday.

The manned mission, the second of its kind in China, will be launched Wednesday morning at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province.

"The first is to acquire more basic technology in manned space flight, including the flight that involves more than one person and lasts more than one day," said Wang Yongzhi in an interview with Xinhua.

The second task is to push forward scientific experiments in space, said Wang.

"The space provides precious opportunities to conduct scientific experiments and produce materials, industrial goods and medicines because of the vacuum and microgravity conditions there, which are not easily available on the ground," he said.

He said unlike the previous launches of Shenzhou spacecraft, there will be human participation in this round of experiments.

"It holds the promise of making more discoveries," said 73-year-old Wang.

The third is to further evaluate the performance of various parts of the system for future improvements.

"We'll make further improvements to the spacecraft based on the results of evaluation," he said.

Wang said his team has made good preparations for the launch. Thorough tests and checkups show all indices meet design requirements. And the team has exerted efforts to improve the reliability of the rocket and spacecraft. A series of technical measures have been taken to improve the protection of astronauts.

"Now the rocket, spacecraft and various types of supporting facilities on the ground are in good conditions. I believe this flight will be successful," he said.

Source: Xinhua