China launches third unmanned space vehicle BEIJING (AFP) Mar 25, 2002 China has successfully launched its third unmanned space vehicle, the country's official newsagency reported late Monday. According to Xinhua reports, the "Shenzhou III" blasted off Monday night at 2200 local time (1400 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province. Scientists at the Beijing Aerospace Directing and Controlling Center told Xinhua the launch went ahead according to plan and that the vehicle had arrived at a preset orbit. Chinese President Jiang Zemin observed the launch of the Long March II F rocket which reportedly entered into orbit about ten minutes after blast-off. The first experimental "Shenzhou" spacecraft was launched from the same centre on November 20, 1999, and returned to earth in Mongolia the next day. On January 10, 2001, China launched a second unmanned spaceship -- the "Shenzhou II" -- which was basically identical to a manned craft. Xinhua said Chinese scientists had designed life sciences, materials, astronomy and physics experiments which will be performed during the craft's journey, but did not mention when re-entry was expected. ________________________________________________ PeoplePC: It's for people. And it's just smart. http://www.peoplepc.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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