Special Report: Third Manned Space Mission 

Backgrounder: Chinese footprints in outer space

Facts and Figures: Shenzhou-7 spacecraft

Chinese President Hu Jintao applauses after watching the launching of the Shenzhou-7 spaceship at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gansu Province on Sept. 25, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Photo Gallery>>>

    JIUQUAN, Gansu, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao congratulated the country's space scientists and taikonauts on the successful launch of the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Thursday.

    "The successful launch marked the first victory of the Shenzhou-7 mission," Hu told Chinese experts and other work staff at the center after officials declared the spacecraft entered the preset orbit.

    "On behalf of the (Communist) Party Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, I'd like to extend warm congratulations to all work staff and army forces participating in the mission," said Hu.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (front R) shakes hands with the ground crew members after he viewed the launching of the Shenzhou-7 spaceship at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwestern Gansu Province on Sept. 25, 2008. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Photo Gallery>>>

    "The Shenzhou-7 mission is the most representative and influential scientific and research practice of our country this year," said Hu. "It's another feat on the Chinese people's journey to ascend the peak of science and technology."

    He noted the country's first attempt of extra-vehicular activity entailed greater technical difficulty and urged the staff to continue their efforts.

    "I hope you carry on your work unremittingly and focus on the following jobs to achieve a full-scale triumph," said Hu.

    The Shenzhou-7 blasted off on a Long March II-F carrier rocket from the launch center in the northwestern Gansu Province at 9:10 p.m..

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