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Shenzhou VII crew members awarded

(China Daily/Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-08 09:13

President Hu Jintao crowned Zhai Zhigang, China's first spacewalker, a "Space Hero" on Friday, at a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the success of the Shenzhou VII project.

President Hu Jintao stands beside Shenzhou VII astronauts Zhai Zhigang (second from right), Jing Haipeng (right) and Liu Boming on Friday, after presenting them awards at the Great Hall of the People. [Xinhua]

The event was hosted by Premier Wen Jiabao and attended by several State leaders, who spoke of the entire nation's admiration for the unremitting efforts of everyone involved in the momentous mission.

More than 110 research institutes were involved in the project, while about 3,000 organizations across the country offered coordination and assistance, Chang Wanquan, the mission's chief commander, said.

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Zhai became the country's second Space Hero, following in the footsteps of fellow astronaut Yang Liwei. His crewmates Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng were named "Heroic Astronauts", the same title conferred on Shenzhou VI astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng three years ago.

Shenzhou VII blasted off on Sept 25 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province. Zhai, a 42-year-old former fighter pilot, stepped into space two days later, as the world watched via a live satellite broadcast.

Zhai was emotional as he recounted the historic moment.

"When I stepped out of the capsule, I was amazed by the scenery of the vast space and azure Earth," he said.

"I knew the step I made was a big step forward for the Chinese nation, because it was the first time a Chinese had left his footprint in space."

Chang agreed, but added that China's space program still has a long way to go.

"We understand manned space missions require constant innovation and progress," he said.

"We must keep working hard to keep up with other countries that have rich experience in this field. There is still a long way ahead of us."

In his keynote speech, Hu praised the efforts of all those involved in the mission, and reiterated its significance as a symbol of achievement for the Chinese nation.

"The success of the Shenzhou VII mission came after two other great successes: the rescue operation following the Wenchuan earthquake, and the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics," he said.

"The three astronauts conducted China's first-ever space walk, displaying China's progress in space technology.

"The single step they made in space is a leap forward on China's road to technological innovation. The success of Shenzhou VII is a milestone in the history of China's manned space missions," he said.

Shang Zhi, general director of the Shenzhou VII mission's spacecraft system, said scientists are ready to begin the next phase of space exploration, which will focus on the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking in orbit, and the construction of a space lab.