The "Shenzhou IV" unmanned spacecraft, launched Monday by China, is fully equipped for manned space flights, the spacecraft's chief designer Qi Faren told Xinhua Friday.
The Shenzhou II and III are also capable of carrying astronauts in space flights, Qi said, adding during these two flights, all tests and data involving the astronaut flight system met the standard requirements.
Before the Shenzhou IV was sent to the launching pad, astronauts had been trained in it, he added.
Further improvements, especially in safety, have been made during the current flight. Eight life-saving schemes were planned to ensure astronauts can escape safely in case of danger.
In addition, equipment inside the spacecraft was rearranged to make astronauts feel more comfortable to live and work in the capsule.
(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2003)
