China could send a human into space in second half of 2003: official

defense-aerospace.com via ChiCom Watch ^ | 31 December 2002 | AFP

[batter]

BEIJING, Dec 31 (AFP) - 08:08 GMT - China could send a human into orbit in the second half of 2003, according to an official with the country's space program, state media said Tuesday.

Yuan Jie, director of the Shanghai Spaceflight Bureau, said Shenzhou V or Divine Vessel V, has reached the "main assembly and main testing stage," the Shanghai-based Liberation Daily reported.

It is estimated the space craft will be launched in the latter half of 2003, "realizing our country's historic breakthrough in manned spaceflight," the newspaper quoted Yuan as saying.

The Shanghai Spaceflight Bureau is part of the central government's space agency and was involved in the research and launching of Shenzhou IV, which blasted off Monday in what is widely seen as the final dress rehearsal for a manned space craft.

Commander Su Shuangning, leading designer of the astronaut system for China's manned space program, said it was fully equipped to carry astronauts, and indicated China was on the verge of joining the United States and the former Soviet Union as the only nations to send humans into space.

Fourteen Chinese astronauts -- picked from thousands of air force pilots -- have undergone training on Shenzhou craft.

The official Xinhua news agency quoted Su saying Monday the astronauts were "absolutely capable of making their maiden voyage to outer space."

The Pentagon in July said a manned spaceflight could happen in 2003, and that Beijing's aim was to build a reusable space craft.

In May, official Chinese media said a longer-term aim was to establish a base on the moon in order to exploit its mineral resources.

Prior to the launching of Shenzhou IV, China carried out three successful launches and landings of Shenzhou spaceships between 1999 and March this year.

A Chinese Aerospace official told AFP that Shenzhou IV, which was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Gansu province, should return to Inner Mongolia "within seven days."

[batter]

Do you think they'll have Wang Wei's relative fly this thing?
In the meantime, the PRC still isn't paying workers their wages: Unpaid workers stage huge protest

For those interested, here is the link to ChiCom Watch: Link

[batter]

Index and FYI

[dirtboy]

China could send a human into space in second half of 2003: official

Yeah, but will they send a capsule along with him?

[gundog]

Heads up...could just be a manned warhead.

[SwinneySwitch]

Yes, but can they bring him back alive?

[batter]

LOL! Unfortunately, it's possible they wouldn't. The Russians had the decency to use a dog when they conducted their tests. The CCP, however, may just use it as an opportunity to get rid of someone they don't agree with...but I've said too much - I think I may have offended the PETA crowd with the 'dog' comment. I am sorry, really sorry, really really sorry for saying the Russians had any decency using a dog for space trials...sorry sorry soooooorrry! (/lott)

[mgc1122]

Getting them back down safely will take a bit longer ... but "up" is no problem. LOL!

[Maceman]

been there, done that.

[YOMO]

Lighten up guys. Think about how brave and daring their "Spaceman" has to be. Afterall he is riding into space on a rocket made in China.

[batter]

Yes and no. The previous stories didn't have the new (to me) assertion of a late 2003 objective for manned travel. The other posts did mention, however, that the 4th launch would bring them a step closer to a manned flight but provided no information as to a timeframe for such an event. If I missed a post that mentioned this, let me know as I'd like to read that story too.

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

The contract for their solid rocket booster was awarded to Estes.

[Mr. K]

well that's a good start... how soon before they send the rest of them up there?

[Ben Hecks]

Paging John Glenn. We have a mission for you.