Shenzhou X marks staged success of manned space program

BEIJING - The completion of the Shenzhou X and Tiangong-1 mission has marked a staged success in achieving the second strategic goal of China's manned space program, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said Wednesday.

"The complete success of Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou X mission has further consolidated China's space rendezvous and docking expertise and marked a great staged success in achieving the second-phase target of the nation's manned space program," Zhang said in a congratulatory letter read on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

Zhang watched the live broadcast of the return and recovery of Shenzhou X spacecraft at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center Wednesday morning.

Zhang said the mission is of great significance in shoring up China's economic and technological power, enhancing the national cohesion and demonstrating the nation's road, spirit and strength.

He said the completion of the mission also marked that China's manned space program has entered the new stage of space station construction.

The vice premier however noted that the tasks ahead would be more difficult and heavier, while the future missions more glorious.

He called on the astronauts as well as all related staff workers to work harder to achieve new success in realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

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China launches Shenzhou X spacecraft