China Launches 1st Manned Space Flight

ByABC News
August 30, 2004, 2:46 PM

B E I J I N G, China, Oct. 15 -- After months of anticipation, China's Shenzhou V spacecraft was finally "good to go." And go it did.

The nation's first manned space flight blasted off from its launch pad in the Gobi Desert, carrying Yang Liwei, China's first taikonaut, or divine navigator, into space, and at the same time taking his country into the record books. China has now successfully become the third country, after Russia and the United States, to launch a man into space, using home-grown technology.

China Central Television (CCTV) Channel 1 interrupted its regular programming to announce news of the launch. Pictures of Shenzhou V, otherwise known as Divine Vessel V, streaking into the morning sky, followed shortly thereafter, as did the news that Liwei, a 38-year-old air force pilot, was the man piloting the capsule.

After a half-hour in orbit, Yang radioed down a message to mission control in Beijing. His face plastered on giant video screens, China's newest national hero said simply, "I feel good." The scientists, engineers, doctors and other mission personnel on hand broke into applause.

Historic Success for China

As word of the space shot spread throughout China in newspaper special editions and on Internet sites, the buzz on the street started to build.

Today is a proud day for China. To the government, a successful launch was an important means of winning respect and prestige from the international community. As one space expert put it, China was seeking to "join the big boys" in the technology sector. Mission accomplished.

Wang Jun, a 30-year-old sales manager, beamed with pride over his country's accomplishment. "I'm excited. China has joined the ranks of powerful countries," he said. "The launch of the spacecraft shows our country has more capacity and strength. I'm honored to be Chinese."

Sixty-five-year-old Shi Hurorong, a retired engineer, agreed. "The old dream has come true," he said. "I'm very delighted and proud. The dream of becoming a powerful nation has come true."