See-off ceremony held for Chinese astronauts of Shenzhou-11 mission

JIUQUAN -- A see-off ceremony for two Chinese astronauts of the upcoming Shenzhou-11 manned space mission was held on Monday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng (right) and Chen Dong at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on October 17. [Photos by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]

A see-off ceremony for two Chinese astronauts of the upcoming Shenzhou-11 manned space mission was held on Monday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong at the apartment compound Wentiange, or "Ask-the-Sky Pavilion," of the launch center.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council, the CMC and General Secretary of CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, Fan wished the mission success.

"I wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return," Fan said.

The astronauts expressed confidence and resolve for the mission.