The Chinese space shuttle Shenzhou VII was launched on Thursday, September 25^th, from a remote location in the desert. After a textbook launch, the three-man mission proceeded to accomplish the space program, which included a spacewalk and taking several samples of space matter. The samples were to be analyzed once the ship landed back safely on Earth.

Many have wondered why China was still reluctant to add women to the astronauts’ team. Chinese representatives said such a space program was in its last stages of development. They stated they hadn’t included a woman on the current space mission as they didn’t want to rush such an important step, especially since space missions pose life threatening risks to those onboard the shuttles. It’s understandable why such a program was begun so late, as the Chinese space exploration programs had a late start, in 1992. Although others nations started these programs in the 40’s and 50’s (and even sent animals into space – who doesn’t remember Laika?), the Chinese have made outstanding progress during these last 16 years. Some scientists believe that with this mission, the Chinese are getting closer and closer to a moon landing.

Today (Sunday, September 28^th), the challenging mission came to a successful end, as Shenzhou VII landed back on Earth at 5:40 p.m., in Inner Mongolia. The Chinese astronauts’ achievements were undeniable proof that they possess probably the most technically advanced equipment and logistics. For instance, the astronauts had nothing but praises for the suits.

As has happened before, the Chinese astronauts can safely look forward to a welcome worthy of a king. Their predecessors received gifts, tributes, houses and operas in their honor. Zhai Zhigang, the spacewalker, was the one who benefited from the $4.4 million space suit, designed and manufactured in China. His successful spacewalk is up there in China’s unofficial “Events’ Hall of Fame”, along with the devastating Sichuan earthquake and the astonishing Beijing Olympics. As a sign of patriotism and gratitude towards China, Zhai took the time to wave a small Chinese flag during his 20-minute spacewalk yesterday, on Saturday. The spacewalk took place after the shuttle’s 29^th orbit. When the 31^st was completed, the Taikonauts (as they are called in China) launched an 88-pound satellite. The satellite was supposed to accompany the module along its orbital mission and then send mission control command the images captured.

The spacewalk is a “preview”, if you will, to a prospective moon landing and an orbiting station that the Chinese plan to develop in the near future. It’s clear that Asia wants to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to space exploration. Parts of the mission – the takeoff, the spacewalk and the landing - were broadcasted live to the millions of restless viewers. Furthermore, China became the third nation (after the U.S. and Russia) to put a man into space, in October 2003, when (another) fighter pilot Yang Liwei was launched into orbit aboard Shenzhou V. The second manned mission took place in 2005.