China's Shenzhou V spacecraft will be sent into space around November 2003. The specific date of launch will have to be determined upon the weather and the progress of the overall testing of the spacecraft. In addition, Chinese scientists will take into consideration other possible affecting factors in the space such as ground temperature, solar activities and the condition of space radiation when scheduling astronauts' return. Up to date, Shenzhou V spacecraft has entered the phase of general assembling and testing. Most of the onboard scientific and research instruments and equipment have passed the approval check.

On the basis of the previous four trial flights, the spacecraft's seven major sub-systems, namely the astronaut system, the application system, the manned spacecraft system, the carrier rocket system, the launching cabin, the measuring system and the landing site have been greatly improved. The manned spacecraft has been equipped with special security chair able to help the astronaut stand up 4 to 5 excessive gravity accelerated velocity in launching and the emergency return system able to make its automatic return to the earth landing site in the emergency situation.

At present, 12 Chinese astronauts candidates are pressing ahead with their tense training. Among them, three will be chosen to embark on China's first manned space flight in Shenzhou V. Chinese astronauts' space suites have been made ready. Each space suite weighs about 10 kilograms. In addition, 20 and more China's home-made space food have reached the required standards.