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| Astronauts chat with their families on the ground. |
China’s second manned spacecraft has slightly deviated from its intended orbit and will need adjustments to return to its original flight path.
The orbital correction is scheduled to take place yesterday morning (October 14). According to Xinhua News Agency, gravity has pulled Shenzhou 6 too close to Earth. The adjustment is expected to be a routine technical operation. However, experts still advise the technical team to exercise caution.
Everything is functioning well on Shenzhou 6, which has completed 30 orbits around the Earth to date.
Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng are both in good health. They have spent the day conducting experiments on the stability of the spacecraft. Yesterday, Nie Haisheng celebrated his 41st birthday. It was a special birthday for him, as his daughter sang the song “Happy Birthday” at the end of September 12.
“It’s wonderful up here. The Earth looks beautiful,” he told his 11-year-old daughter, Tianxiang.
His wife, Wang Jie, said: “I wish you success in the mission entrusted by the country and a safe return.” When he heard those words, Nie Haisheng was moved to tears, according to Xinhua.
Shenzhou 6 is expected to orbit the Earth for five days while the astronauts conduct various experiments. Officials predict the spacecraft will complete about 80 orbits before landing in Inner Mongolia.
China hopes to establish a space station within the next five years and ultimately send humans to the moon.
M.T. (according to BBC)
