Shenzhou VI touches down; astronauts in good conditions
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2005-10-17 05:23

The mission had "accomplished the planned experiments and accumulated valuable technical data," Xinhua said Sunday. 

Staff at the Beijing Aerospace Demand and Control Center celebrates the success of China's second manned space mission. [Xinhua]

 

"We feel good, our work is going smoothly and our life is happy," Fei was quoted as saying Sunday evening before the craft began its re-entry maneuvers. "We will do our utmost to fulfill the mission."

"We're grateful for the deep love and concern by all Chinese people, the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots," Nie said.

Shenzhou 6 orbited the Earth 76 times and traveled more than 1.9 million miles.

The mission was substantially longer and more complex than the 2003 flight, when astronaut Yang Liwei orbited for 21 1/2 hours before his capsule landed by parachute.