Rocket all ready to go

2008-7-20  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

  EMAIL STORY

  PRINTABLE VIEW

  BLOG STORY

  COPY HEADLINE AND URL

  SHARE

THE Long March 2F rocket designed to carry China's third manned spacecraft into orbit will be sent to Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest Gansu province within a few days, officials with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) said yesterday.

The rocket was coated in red to signify that it was ready to fulfill its mission, said chief designer Jing Muchun, adding that further testing would be conducted to ensure 100 percent safety after the rocket arrives in Jiuquan.

The Shenzhou VII spacecraft arrived at Jiuquan about 10 days ago. It is expected to be launched in October. CALT head Li Hon and the 200 launch team members have promised to use every means to ensure the success and safety of the launch.