China: launch Shenzhou VII ship in 2008

China began manufacturing missiles carrying the Shenzhou VII ship for this launch into space in 2008, announced a senior project official.

Speaking on China's central television, Jing Muchun, the top designer of China's Manned Space Program, said the purchase of materials and the manufacture of rockets carrying Shenzhou VII was begin.

He said many good quality materials will be used to make rockets, and scientists will upgrade missile components to increase durability. Scientists are also considering installing more cameras.

As part of the manned space program, Chinese astronauts will make many space walks and install a space station in the second phase of the program with Shenzhou VII.

After the United States and Russia, China is the third country in the world to successfully launch a manned spacecraft into space, with the first space voyage in 2003 by astronaut Duong Loi Vi and the Than Chau V ship and the second trip in October last year of two astronauts Tu Tuan Long and Anh Hai Thang and Shen Chau VI.

WALL VY