Shanghai Daily News

Even before Shenzhou VI returns to Earth, local researchers involved in China's space program are already looking forward to the launch of Shenzhou VII - the country's third manned spacecraft - in 2007.

That mission is expected to see the first space walk by Chinese astronauts. Also, it will include a docking experiment in preparation for the country's plans to build its own space station.

Before the docking experiment, China is planning to launch an unmanned orbiter - a small version of future space station - which Shenzhou VIII will dock with, according to Han Hongyin of the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.

Han helped design the propulsion system used on the Shenzhou spacecrafts. He didn't say when Shenzhou VIII is scheduled to take off.

"We will test space technology individually before the launch of the country's first space station," Han said.

The propulsion designer said that at least two astronauts will be aboard Shenzhou VII when it blasts into orbit in 2007.

One of them will take a walk in space, and the astronaut will be attached to the capsule by a tether.

He said the launch of an unmanned orbiter for docking will take place some time after the Shenzhou VII mission is completed.

He said the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology - the country's leading space research center - is mainly responsible for the craft's propulsion module, propulsion system, as well as communication and power systems.

Additionally, Shanghai is taking part in a national project to develop more powerful launch vehicles capable of serving the country's future lunar exploration and space station. Their maximum load capacity will reach 25 tons - tripling the weight of Shenzhou V.

"Most part of the Shenzhou series spacecrafts will be consistent with each other except for some minor updates," said the designer.

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