Hu wishes taikonauts triumphant return

Chinese President Hu Jintao talked to the two taikonauts on China's Shenzhou-6 spacecraft Saturday afternoon, praising their performance and wishing them a triumphant return.

Speaking from the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center, Hu first extended congratulations and warm greetings to taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and asked about their health and work.

"The spacecraft is working well and we are feeling good. All space scientific experiments are carried out smoothly as planned," Nie said.

"You can rest assured, and all the people of the motherland can rest assured," he told the president.

"We are very pleased to hear that," Hu said.

"The successful launch of Shenzhou-6 represents another major step forward in China's manned space flight program," said Hu.

"The motherland and people are proud of you. I hope you will successfully complete your task by carrying out the mission calmly and carefully and have a triumphant return," he said.

Fei thanked the president for his concern and the support of the people and said "we will definitely fulfill the mission completely."

After the dialogue, Hu made a brief speech at the command and control center, urging the scientists at the center to ensure the two taikonauts aboard Shenzhou-6 spacecraft return soundly.

Hu said that successful launch and normal operation of the Shenzhou-6 is a result of the joint efforts made by all space workers.

"The motherland and the people thank you all for your contribution," he said.

The president expressed the hope that space workers make persistent efforts to do a good follow-up job, so as to ensure the safe and smooth return of the re-entry module with the two taikonauts aboard.

China's second manned space mission is going on smoothly as the two taikonauts aboard the Shenzhou-6 space capsule began their fourth day in orbit Saturday. They are racing around the Earth one circle in every 90 minutes.

The taikonauts have conducted a series of unprecedented experiments on the Shenzhou-6, including the maneuvers between the orbital and re-entry capsules, taking on and off space suits, using space toilet and the self-test of blood pressure.

The spacecraft is flying on a circular orbit 343 km above the Earth at a speed of 7.8 km per second.

Source: Xinhua