There are two white packages beside the seats of taikonauts (Chinese term for astronauts) in the re-entry module of Shenzhou-6 spacecraft now orbiting the Earth. They are the taikonauts' life kits.

According to Li Yongzhi, a senior designer of the medical monitoring and guarantee sub-system under China's Space Center, the life kits will be used when an emergency landing is needed, which will likely expose the taikonauts to harsh natural environment and dangerous situation.

To ensure the taikonauts' survival, telecommunications and self-defense, each life kit has 25 varieties of rescue goods and materials, weighing 24.5 kg in total. They are classified into four categories:

-- Goods for emitting GMDSS (formerly SOS) signal, including personal, long-distance transmitter-receiver for sending out GMDSS signals, GPS (global positioning system) device, short-distance signal gun and bullets, sunlight viewfinder and sea water colorant;

-- Medical goods, including first-aid kit, medicinal kit against snake bites and culicifuge against mosquitoes and other insects;

-- Goods for survival, including food, drinkable water, salt, life boat, fishing gear, anti-shark chemical, anti-soaking and cold-resistant gear for floating, compass, windproof matches, dustproof sunglasses, igniter and life manual;

-- Goods for self-defense, including pistol and bullets and knife.

Source: Xinhua