The latest milestone for China is an ambitious program that is increasingly rivaling the United States and Russia has had a rapid expansion when Mission commander Zhai Zhigang floated out of the orbiter module’s hatch in the spacewalk, shown live on state broadcaster CCTV. Tethered to handles attached to the Shenzhou 7 ship’s orbital module’s exterior, Zhai remained outside for about 13 minutes before climbing back inside and closing the hatch behind him.
China launched its first manned mission, Shenzhou 5, in 2003, becoming only the third country after Russia and the United States to launch a man into space. That was followed by a two-man mission in 2005.
Since blasting off from Their China launch base on Friday, the astronauts had been largely occupied with preparing the suits and adapting to zero gravity. Meals on the craft have followed a typical Chinese menu, featuring kung pao chicken, shrimp and dried fruit, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Filed under: china | Tagged: china space mission, china space program
