Shanghai Daily News

A group of local armed police celebrated the launch of Shenzhou VI yesterday, taking pride in their secretive role in the mission.

The team escorted key equipment for the spacecraft from eastern China to the launch center in Gansu Province.

The equipment was moved by train, but team members would not say when or what route was used.

"All the equipment and soldiers were kept in sealed containers. So, the heat in daytime and mosquitoes at night were really challenges. Our soldiers said they felt like they were taking a sauna every day," said Wu Leyi, an officer with the Shanghai General Team of Armed Police.

"To ensure the safety of equipment, no mosquito-repellent was allowed in the train. Soldiers had to suffer the insects all night," he said.

When the train entered western China, sandstorms became another headache, getting into soldiers ears, eyes, noses and clothing.

In addition to hardships provided by Mother Nature, the trip also required the police to be on very high alert.

Soldiers had to climb onto the roof of each car 10 minutes before the train started moving, and one soldier received a small shock when his hair touched a power line hanging just over the train tracks.

They also had to fend off curious onlookers at many stops along the route.

"A migrant worker claimed he wanted to collect some used bottles from the train and wanted to get onto it. We threatened him seriously," said officer Zhang Haibo.